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