Running Start Program

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.