What is Bats to Cats?

Texas State University and Austin Community College (ACC) have joined forces to streamline the transfer process for students, enabling them to smoothly transition and complete their four-year degrees. By first earning their associate’s degree at ACC, students can save an average of $9,670 each year before moving on to Texas State. Plus, those transferring to on-campus programs at Texas State's San Marcos or Round Rock locations can qualify for a guaranteed transfer scholarship, making the dream of a degree more accessible and affordable.

Starting at ACC will allow students to have an exceptional education experience with a seamless transfer program to TXST to complete a bachelor’s degree in high-demand careers.  
 

logo reading "Bats to Cats"

Program Benefits

Major Cost Savings for Students

Bats to Cats participants who complete 60 hours at ACC and 60 hours at TXST can save up to ~$19,000 in tuition and fees (based on FY 24 tuition and fees).

Transfer Credit

Together, ACC and TXST have aligned curriculum for certain major pathways to ensure participants' associate degree credits earned transfer toward the selected TXST bachelor’s degree program. To maximize transfer of credit applicability, students must select a pathway at the start of the program.

The associate of arts, associate of arts in teaching, and associate of science degrees are specifically designed to facilitate the transfer and application of credits earned at Austin Community College to the bachelor’s degree requirements of most public colleges and universities. 

Additional Award

Beginning Fall 2025, all Bats to Cats participants will receive a $1,000 transfer award for the first semester they enroll at TXST as new transfer students, renewable for a second year.

Bats to Cats students who choose to enroll in any classes offered at TXST Round Rock Campus will receive an additional $1,000 (total $2,000 per year), renewable for a second year. The additional Round Rock Campus awards will be applied to student accounts after the 12th class day of each fall semester. A 2.0 cumulative Texas State grade point average is required for the second-year renewal.

No Additional Application Fee

Bats to Cats students must submit the declaration form to have their TXST admissions application fee waived.

TXST Resources

ACC Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart and TXST President Kelly Damphousse smile in front of their respective school banners at the Bats to Cats signing event.

ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart and TXST President Dr. Kelly Damphousse

TXST and ACC Partner for Bats to Cats

“Texas State University is proud to partner with ACC on the ‘Bats to Cats’ program, and we look forward to the difference it will make in so many lives,” said TXST President Kelly Damphousse. “As the product of a community college myself, I was drawn to this initiative because TXST wants to be part of the solution to build a direct, seamless, affordable, and efficient pathway from community college to a four-year university. ‘Bats to Cats’ is a win-win for students and for Texas, as it increases the number of highly skilled and career-ready professionals entering the workforce.”

Degree programs

Degree programs

Bats to Cats program pathways will be available soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand FAQ List

    • ACC students should pursue the designated associate degree and major that corresponds to their desired bachelor's degree as described in the Bats to Cats Transfer Pathway Map. The following degrees are college transfer degrees: 
      • Associate of arts degrees (AA)
      • Associate of arts in teaching degrees (AAT)  
      • Associate of science degrees (AS)
    • Students must have a minimum 2.25 cumulative GPA in transferable coursework if they complete an associate degree. Students who elect to transfer before completing an associate degree must meet regular TXST transfer admissions requirements.
    • Students will be provided with at least 60 hours of transferable coursework to complete at ACC before transferring to TXST. 
    • Complete the Bats to Cats declaration form after enrolling at ACC and two (2) semesters prior to transferring term
      • Students approved to participate must have a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA at the time of declaration
    • With student approval, ACC will send students' official transcripts at the end of each semester of enrollment at ACC to TXST Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Students must submit official transcripts from prior colleges/universities. 

  • All ACC students who declare two semesters before transferring to TXST will have their application fee waived. 

    Bats to Cats students must submit the declaration form to have their TXST admissions application and application fee waived.  

     

  • If students are working toward an associate of applied science (AAS), they should connect with a Transfer Navigator to determine which additional coursework will be necessary for them to transfer to TXST. 

  • It is strongly encouraged, and a part of the terms and conditions of Bats to Cats, that ACC students maintain regular communication or meetings with success coaches. 

  • ACC students can transfer for any fall or spring semester. We ask that students in the Bats to Cats program declare at least two (2) semesters before their intended transfer date. 

  • College transcripts will only be accepted if sent directly by mail or electronic service to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Mailing address and electronic service can be found online at: https://www.admissions.txst.edu/future-students/submit-documents.html 

  • Students should reference their Transfer Pathway Map, a document with the details of the specific coursework a student would take at ACC and TXST. The Bats to Cats program aims to assist students in completing the minimum number of semester credit hours to meet the degree requirements of both institutions   

  • Bats to Cats Participants will be offered free tickets to pre-selected Texas State home athletic events beginning in Fall 2024.

    Students who transfer from ACC and enroll in on-campus courses at TXST San Marcos or Round Rock campuses will also be eligible for assured transfer merit awards based on their cumulative college grade point average in transferable coursework at the time of transfer.