It is not too late to join the Running Start Program!
New Running Start Students
New to Running Start? If you are a current high school junior or senior, it's not too late to join! We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2025.
Current Running Start Students
Already enrolled in Running Start? Students register for classes every quarter. Learn more about quarterly enrollment verification and priority registration dates.
What is Running Start?
Running Start is a Washington State program that allows current high school 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at Washington's 34 community and technical colleges. Students earn both high school and college credits for these courses.
Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition. They are responsible for mandatory fees, books and transportation. Students receive both high school and college credit for these classes, which accelerates their progress through the education system.
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 5pm,
Friday: 10am - 5pm
(Campus closed Fridays during Summer session).
Upcoming 2025-2026 In-Person & Virtual Information Sessions
Are you a current high school sophomore or junior interested in joining Running Start in September 2025? Join us during one of our highly recommended information sessions. You will have the opportunity to meet your Running Start team, learn more about the program, program requirements, and how to apply.
Please note that by attending an information session you are not required to join the program. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Running Start saves both time and money!
There are many advantages to enrolling in Running Start, including free college tuition!
Running Start helps families save thousands of dollars in the overall cost of a college education.
The high school pays the tuition. A maximum of 15 credits are funded per quarter. Many students earn their associate degree, and their high school diploma, at the same time.
Over the past five years, the number of Running Start students earning both their high school diploma and an associate degree, has more than doubled!*
In addition, Running Start students perform better academically than other students. In academic year 2017, Running Start students earned an average GPA of 3.2, compared to 3.0 for all other students.
Many students are academically ready for entry-level college coursework.
Students have access to more course options than may be available in a traditional high school. Students whose academic interests are not being met in high school often flourish in a more challenging educational setting. They may also welcome the opportunity to get a 'running start' on their college degree.
Students love the flexibility of setting their own schedule.
Students can choose from a full-range of college level classes (100 or higher) offered in a variety of course formats, including evening, online, hybrid, enhanced or in a traditional classroom setting.
Students find the transition to university life smoother, having already experienced it at LCC.
Students who transfer to a four-year college or university after completing even a few classes at LCC find they are better prepared for the requirements and expectations they will be faced with.
Students can explore their interests through different classes in order to gain a better understanding of what they want to study.
There is plenty of room for students to explore their interests through different courses, while still earning general education requirements that will transfer to a four-year college or university.
*98 Running Start students earned an associate degree in 2016-17, compared to 49 in 2012-13.
Still have questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to learn more about Running Start. If you can't find the answer to your question there, feel free to contact us!
Information for Undocumented Students/DREAMers
Undocumented students in Washington state have the right to attend colleges and universities. Many qualify for state-funded financial aid because of the Washington Dream Act, also called The Real Hope Act which was signed into law in 2014.
› Learn more at Undocumented Students/DREAMers
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Contact Running Start
Drop in to see us on the second floor of the Student Center (STC) during regular business
hours, Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm, and Friday 10am - 5pm
(Campus closed Fridays during Summer session).
General Inquiries
Student Center (STC) 209
(360) 442-2442
runningstart@lowercolumbia.edu
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