Austin Community College (ACC) is working to lower costs for students. Many core courses have sections that are taught with openly-licensed high quality online textbooks (known as Open Educational Resources) or other freely-available course materials that are accessible electronically on the first day of class. These textbooks and course materials do not cost students any money. These “zero textbook cost” sections are known as Z-classes. Note: Not every core curriculum course offers Z-classes and not every campus offers Z-classes.

Z-Degrees are degrees that students can complete entirely with zero textbook cost classes. ACC currently offers Z-Degrees in the Associate of Arts in General Studies in Arts and the Associate of Science in General Studies in Science degrees. With careful planning, it is possible to earn an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree without ever purchasing a textbook. Note: An associate degree in General Studies cannot be earned at the same time as or after receiving another associate degree.

Consult with an Area of Study advisor or a General Studies program advisor for more information and assistance with mapping your Z-Degree pathway.