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.

To Qualify for Running Start:

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• You must be a Junior or Senior as determined by your high school and/or school district.

• You must be currently enrolled in a Washington State public high school.

• If you are home schooled, or a in a private school, you will need to enroll in your districts public high school.

• Students must submit an LCC Admissions Application and a Running Start Application.

To be eligible for College Level English.

• You have at least a 2.5 cumulative high school GPA. AND

• You have a 3.0 GPA or better in all high school English/Literature classes.

              OR

• You score a 3 or 4 on the English portion of the Smarter Balanced assessment.

• If you do not qualify for College Level English using the above GPA or SBAC please contact the Running Start office for information regarding the English Self-Directed Placement test.

To be eligible for College Level Math.

• There are several ways to place into college level math. Please visit our High School to College Placement page to review your options. Feel free to contact the Running Start office if you have any questions.  

Running Start program provides funding for college level coursework only.

• College level coursework is any class that is 100 level or higher and will count towards college credits, including English 101

• Pre-college level coursework is any course that is below 100 level. These classes do not count towards college credit, therefore it is not covered by Running Start funding and the student is responsible for full tuition and fees for these courses.

• Students who do not place at college level: You are eligible to take other classes at Lower Columbia College that do not require college level placement as a prerequisite. Most classes do expect college level skills, so work with your LCC RS Team, and your High School counselor to identify classes that will be beneficial to meet your goals.

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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!*

*130 Running Start students earned an associate degree in 2017-18, compared to 52 in 2013-14.

In addition, Running Start students perform better academically than other LCC students. In academic year 2017, Running Start students earned an average GPA of 3.2, compared to 3.0 for all other students.

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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

Contact Running Start

Drop in to see us on the second floor of the Student Center during regular business hours, M - F, 8 am to 5 pm, or call or email our Running Start staff.