AUSTIN, Texas — Some Austin-area students will soon have more direct access to higher education.
Starting this fall, attendees of Austin Community College (ACC) will be able to directly transfer to Texas State University with the start of a new 'Bats to Cats' partnership.
The program was officially announced Thursday and applications are set to open later this year, with transfers expected to take full effect in the summer 2025 semester.
The main purpose, according to a press release from the Austin Community College District, is to "increase the number of transfer students, increase student belonging, and save students time and money."
'Bats to Cats' makes it so that transcripts are sent directly from ACC to Texas State, followed by an automatic admissions process. For students in need of additional support, Texas State counselors are also available.
One transfer student, Crispina Harris, shared her struggles as a transfer college student.
"What is hard about being a transfer student, you are forced to be comfortable in an uncomfortable situation," she said.
"We don't get the freshman experiences others who go straight to university get. Having a program like this lets you build those relationships you might miss as a transfer student."
Additional benefits include a first-year scholarship of up to $2,000 for those who are eligible, free tickets to certain athletic events at Texas State and specific curriculums, to name a few.
Statistically, approximately 25% of ACC students transferred to a four-year program during a three-year goal period, despite 60% of them stating their hopes to do so.
This new program could help increase the percentage of students who turn their intentions into reality.