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β¨ Available to Students in ALL School Types!
Running Start is NOT just for traditional public school students. This program is available to:
No matter which educational path you've chosen, Running Start is available to you in 11th and 12th grade!
π° Incredible Savings: Running Start can save your family $20,000-$40,000+ in college tuition by earning free college credits during high school! Students can graduate with BOTH a high school diploma AND an Associate's degree.
What Is Running Start?
Running Start is a dual-credit program where high school juniors and seniors take college classes and earn credit that counts for BOTH high school graduation AND college degrees.
Key Points:
- Take actual college courses at community/technical colleges
- Credits count toward BOTH high school AND college
- State pays your tuition (up to 21 credits per quarter)
- Available to public, private, homeschool, charter, and online school students
- Program has existed since 1993
Who Is Eligible?
Grade Requirements
- 11th Graders: Can participate (must have completed 10th grade)
- 12th Graders: Can participate
- Rising 11th Graders: Can take up to 10 credits in summer term after 10th grade
- Age Limit: Must be under 21 years old
School Type - ALL Students Welcome!
EVERY type of student can participate:
Your choice of school does NOT limit your access to Running Start!
Requirements
- Must NOT have earned a high school diploma yet
- Must meet college placement requirements (may require placement tests)
- Parental permission (if under 18)
Where Can You Take Running Start?
In Grant County (Moses Lake Area)
π« Big Bend Community College
Location: Moses Lake, WA
Convenient local option for Moses Lake families!
Statewide Options (34 colleges total)
- All 34 Washington community and technical colleges
- Central Washington University (CWU)
- Eastern Washington University (EWU)
- Washington State University (WSU)
- Northwest Indian College
Costs & Financial Benefits
What's FREE
π΅ TUITION IS COMPLETELY FREE!
Your school district pays up to 21 credits per quarter - a value of over $4,000 per year!
What Students Pay
| Expense |
Typical Cost |
Fee Waivers Available? |
| College Fees |
Varies by college |
YES - for low-income students |
| Textbooks |
$50-300 per course |
Sometimes (buy used, rent, library) |
| Supplies |
Varies by course |
No |
| Transportation |
Your responsibility |
No |
Fee Waivers for Low-Income Families
Students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch are eligible for college fee waivers. Contact your high school counselor and the college financial aid office.
Total Savings Example
Scenario: Full-time Running Start for 2 years (11th & 12th grade)
- Credits Earned: 90 quarter credits (typical Associate's degree)
- Tuition Saved: $20,000 - $40,000+ (vs. paying full college tuition later)
- Time Saved: Up to 2 years of college (graduate early or pursue advanced degree)
- Your Cost: Primarily textbooks and transportation
How Credits Work
Credit Conversion
- 5 college quarter credits = 1 high school credit
- Example: A 5-credit college math course = 1 full year of high school math
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) Limits
| Limit Type |
Maximum |
Explanation |
| Combined HS + College |
1.4 FTE |
Total combined high school and college |
| College Only |
1.2 FTE |
Maximum college credits |
What is 1.0 FTE?
- College: 15 quarter credits, OR
- High School: 1,500 weekly minutes of instruction
Time Limits
- 11th Graders (Juniors): Maximum 8 quarters
- 12th Graders (Seniors): Maximum 4 consecutive quarters
How to Enroll in Running Start
1
Attend Information Sessions
Your high school and the college both hold info sessions for Running Start. Attend both to understand the program fully.
2
Meet with High School Counselor
Discuss your graduation requirements and which college courses will fulfill them. This is crucial!
3
Complete Enrollment Verification Form (EVF)
CRITICAL: Must be completed EVERY quarter. Without this form, the college cannot bill your district for tuition.
4
Apply to the College
Complete college application (usually free for Running Start students).
5
Take Placement Tests
May need to take math and English placement tests to determine which courses you can take.
6
Register for Classes
Work with college advisor to choose courses that meet both high school and college requirements.
7
Submit EVF Every Term
Remember to submit the Enrollment Verification Form EVERY QUARTER - this is not automatic!
β οΈ IMPORTANT: The Enrollment Verification Form (EVF) must be submitted every quarter. This is YOUR responsibility. If you forget, the college cannot bill your district and you may be responsible for tuition costs.
Benefits of Running Start
Financial Benefits
- Save $20,000-$40,000+ in college tuition
- Free tuition for up to 21 credits per quarter
- Graduate college faster - up to 2 years ahead
- Reduce student loan debt significantly
Academic Benefits
- College experience while still in high school
- Smaller class sizes than many high schools
- More course options than typical high school
- Self-paced learning opportunities
- Associate's degree + high school diploma simultaneously
Life Skills Benefits
- Learn time management and independence
- Experience college environment safely (still have high school support)
- Build confidence for future college success
- Develop self-advocacy skills
Important Considerations
Academic Considerations
Think About:
- Maturity Required: College courses move faster and require more independence
- Adult Content: College courses are not censored for minors
- Dual Deadlines: Must track both high school AND college requirements
- No Special Ed Services: College doesn't provide IEPs or 504 plans
Social Considerations
- Miss high school activities: Less time for sports, clubs, dances
- Different social environment: Classmates are adults
- Transportation: Must get to/from college campus
Financial Considerations
- Textbooks: Can be expensive ($50-300 per course)
- Transportation: Gas, parking, or bus costs
- No Federal Financial Aid: Cannot receive federal aid while still in high school
Will Credits Transfer?
Within Washington State
EXCELLENT transfer rates! Washington has agreements between community colleges and public universities:
- Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)
- "Washington 45" - first-year transfer courses
- Most courses transfer smoothly to UW, WSU, WWU, EWU, CWU
Out of State
Variable: Each college decides independently which credits to accept. Research your target colleges early!
- Some courses transfer easily (general ed, basic math/science)
- Some may not transfer or count only as electives
- Plan ahead if you know you want to attend out-of-state
Tips for Maximum Transferability
- Take 100-level or higher courses (not remedial)
- Focus on general education requirements
- Research target colleges' transfer policies early
- Take courses marked as "transfer" courses
- Keep all syllabi and course descriptions
Program Statistics
Running Start by the Numbers:
- 26,000+ students participated statewide (2016-17 data)
- 56% increase in enrollment over 10 years
- 1,840 Running Start students enrolled at UW (Fall 2025)
- Since 1993: Program has been available
Frequently Asked Questions
Can homeschoolers do Running Start?
YES! Homeschool students enroll with their local public school district as "intent to homeschool" and can fully participate in Running Start. Learn more about homeschooling and Running Start β
Can private school students do Running Start?
YES! Private school students are fully eligible. You'll continue paying your private school tuition for high school classes, but the state pays for your college classes. Learn more about private schools and Running Start β
Can online school students do Running Start?
YES! Students at WAVA, ISWA, Connections Academy, and other online schools can participate. Learn more about online schools and Running Start β
Can I play high school sports while in Running Start?
Usually YES, but check with your high school athletic director. Most schools allow Running Start students to participate in athletics if schedule permits.
Do Running Start credits count the same as AP or IB?
YES! Running Start credits are actual college credits and are generally viewed equally to or better than AP/IB credits for college admission purposes.
What if I fail a college course?
The grade goes on your permanent college transcript. Choose courses carefully and get help early if struggling!
Can I take classes at multiple colleges?
Usually YES, with permission from your school district and both colleges. Work with your counselor to coordinate.
Getting Started
Ready to explore Running Start?
- Talk to your high school counselor about graduation requirements (or your homeschool evaluator if homeschooling)
- Contact Big Bend Community College for Running Start information
- Attend information sessions at both your high school and BBCC
- Plan your courses to meet both high school and college needs
- Apply early - popular classes fill up quickly!
Contact Information
- Moses Lake High School: Contact your school counselor
- Big Bend Community College: Visit bbcc.edu or call (509) 793-2222
- WA State Running Start Info: wsac.wa.gov/running-start
Learn More About Your School Type
Want to learn more about how Running Start works with your specific educational path?