Benefits and Considerations

Benefits of participating in Running Start

• Students and families can register for up to 15 tuition-free college credits per quarter based on high school enrollment.
• Earn high school and college credit simultaneously.
• With careful planning, students can earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma.
• Experience the rigor of college-level coursework and increased personal responsibility.
• Wide variety of classes and degree options.
• Flexible class schedule (day, afternoon, evening, hybrid, and online course options) at multiple campus locations (Auburn, Kent, and Enumclaw).
• Small class sizes (average class size is 32 students).
• Participate in college activities and leadership opportunities, with the exception of intercollegiate athletics.

Challenges of participating in Running Start

• Running Start is not entirely free. The average quarterly cost for a full-time Running Start student is approximately $240 in fees per quarter. Textbooks can range from $100-300+ per quarter. We have a Fee Waiver & Book Loan Program to students who qualify, which can reduce the cost of attendance.
• Classes move at a faster pace than high school; a year-long high school course is condensed into an 11 week quarter.
• Green River has a different break schedule than high school. Students are responsible for planning their schedules accordingly.
• Parent/guardian access to student records is limited. The College must abide by strict privacy rules. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records without student written permission. We provide all Running Start students an opportunity to complete a Release of Information form.
• College is an adult learning environment. Courses may cover controversial issues.
• Students must arrange their own transportation to and from campus; parking is free.

How College is Different from High School