First time in college
Welcome to the Alamo Colleges!
Attending classes in person may be the preference for many first-time college students, but it may not be a convenient option for you. Our five Alamo Colleges make getting a degree 100% online possible—on your time, anywhere!
![]() Being a first-time student at any college can feel overwhelming. To ensure a smooth transition into your new role as a fully online student, AlamoONLINE has a team of dedicated Enrollment Coaches who can:
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Get started today!To speak with an Enrollment Coach, complete this form. |
Steps for applying to the Alamo Colleges
If you prefer to get started on your own with the application process, follow these step-by-step instructions for first-time-in-college students.
Start your college application today!STEP 1: Find your online program.
Start your application process by visiting the search online offerings to view the various fully online programs and other offerings available at our five Alamo Colleges. Once you find an online offering, make a note of the College and the AlamoINSTITUTE, then proceed to the next step. STEP 2: Apply for admission.
Submit your application for admission at www.goapplytexas.org for one of our Alamo Colleges—Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, St. Philip's College, and San Antonio College. If you plan to attend fully online, please respond ‘YES’ on page 5 to “Online Courses Only?”. STEP 3: Get help paying for college.
Submit your Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov. For more information, visit our Financial Aid webpage. For information about scholarships, visit our Alamo Colleges Foundation. For military-affiliated students STEP 4: Log in to ACES.
Once you receive your Next Steps email, you can log in to ACES. ACES is the online center for all your student information. You will be able to register for classes, review your financial aid, and pay your tuition. To log in, visit aces.alamo.edu. You can find the login instructions on the ACES login page. If you have issues, please contact the helpdesk using the numbers listed on the ACES login page. |
Once you get your Next Steps email, you can:STEP 5: Submit transcripts and documents.
Before you can register for classes, we require your official transcript. You will need to send your unopened, official transcripts or have your previous institution submit your official transcript electronically. For a complete list of addresses and electronic options, click on SUBMITTING A TRANSCRIPT. High school seniorsSubmit an official transcript with your test scores and graduation date following graduation. Home school studentsSubmit a notarized transcript of your high school equivalent work and graduation date. GED graduates from TexasSubmit your official GED certificate with scores from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). STEP 6: Submit proof of bacterial meningitis.
All students, age 22 and younger, must submit proof of the bacterial meningitis vaccination. Students enrolled fully online are exempt and must complete a waiver for an exemption each semester. To submit documentation, visit the Start Here tab in ACES and select "submit Bacterial Meningitis forms here. STEP 7: Take your placement test and refreshers, if required.
Step 8: Complete New Student Orientation (NSO) and meet with a Certified Advisor before registering for courses, if required.
To schedule your NSO session, visit your College’s NSO webpage:
STEP 9: Pay your bill.
To reserve your courses and avoid being dropped, you can pay your tuition before the deadlines with the following options:
For more information on available payment options, visit AlamoNAVIGATE and select “Pay your bill.” For military-affiliated students |
Need help registering for classes?
Contact your Alamo Colleges' advisor
To schedule a web conference, phone call, or face-to-face appointment with your college advisor, follow these steps.
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For more information, visit your College’s advising webpage. |
Important Dates
Here are a few important upcoming dates to consider so you don't miss out on the courses you need to continue your online learning journey!
Spring 2023
Wintermester | 16 Week | Flex I | Start Two | Flex II | |
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Application Deadline |
Nov. 28 | Jan. 2 | Jan. 2 | Jan. 16 | Feb. 27 |
Registration Deadline |
Dec. 6 | Jan. 10 | Jan. 10 | Jan. 24 | March 7 |
Classes Start |
Dec. 12 | Jan. 17 | Jan. 17 | Jan. 30 | March 20 |
Classes End |
Dec. 30 | May 13 | May 13 | March 11 | May 13 |
For a full list of dates, visit Academic/Registration Calendars
For more information
Contact an Enrollment Coach, today!Enrollment Coaches are here to help you get started with the application process and to guide you through registration for fully online courses this upcoming semester. We can also connect you to an advisor, as well as refer you to services available to online students. Don't delay, call (210) 485-0110 or email AlamoONLINE@alamo.edu, today!Frequently Asked Questions |
About AlamoONLINEAlamoONLINE represents the range of opportunities for students pursuing degrees, certificates, or other offerings delivered 100% online from Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest Vista College, Palo Alto College, San Antonio College, and St. Philip’s College. At our Alamo Colleges, a 100% online degree, certificate, other offering, or Transfer Advising Guide (TAG) has all courses offered fully online and does not require students to come on campus or to an external site except for required proctored exams or to participate in a clinical, internship, cooperative education, or practicum site. |