What does Running Start Cost?

The Running Start program covers up to 21 credits per quarter (or the maximum college credit amount approved by their high school counselor on the students' EVF, whichever is lower) for college-level courses; courses numbered 100 or above, depending on the number of classes taken at the high school. However, there are other costs that Running Start does not pay for:

  • Textbooks and supplies: Costs will vary depending on required textbooks and supplies required for each class (average cost of books and supplies for a full-time student is $100-300 per quarter).
  • Quarterly student-voted fees: These include facilities fee, technology fee, student center fee and special services fee.
  • Class fees: Cost varies per quarter according to enrollment; see quarterly class schedule for details.
  • Tuition, in certain cases: Tuition is only charged if a student takes a class under the 100-level, or enrolls in more credits than their high school counselor approved on their quarterly EVF.

Running Start students may choose to enroll in developmental classes that are below college-level (courses that do not begin with a '1' or a '2' or READ 104). Enrollment in these courses is separate from the Running Start program and students are responsible for full tuition for those courses. For example, if a student enrolls in Math 97, the student will be charged tuition for the class according to their residency and the per-credit rate applied for credits between one and ten (see Tuition and Fees). Additionally, Running Start students who enroll in more than their approved maximum credit amount indicated on their EVF, they will be charged tuition and fees for every credit over their approved amount.

Making Payments

Students can pay for fees Online: ctcLink account, Financial Account tile (or) In Person: Cashier's Office, Student Affairs & Success Center SA-266, (or) by phone at 253-288-3399.

Fee Waiver and Book Loan Program

Running Start students can take advantage of the Fee Waiver and Book Loan Program which assists students with waiving the cost of quarterly student-voted fees as well as allowing students to loan required textbooks for classes if they are available.

Important FWBL Information

  • Book loan is limited to availability. Eligibility does not guarantee all books will be provided. An email will be sent to your email address on file in ctcLink prior to each quarter with instructions on how to request books and important deadlines. It is your responsibility to check your student email account frequently.
  • The Book Loan Program covers only assistance with physical textbooks. The Book Loan Program DOES NOT cover e-books, access codes, or other supplies.
  • Fee waiver applies to Student Voted Fees only. Individual class fees remain your responsibility and are not waived.
  • Below college level courses are not covered by the Running Start Program.
  • Submitting this form is not retroactive to previous quarters (you will not receive a refund for previous quarters).
  • The deadline for submitting this form is the Friday before the first day of the quarter - submit it as early as possible. If submitted after the 10th day of the quarter, your FWBL status will take effect the following quarter.

Eligibility Criteria

Running Start students may apply for the Fee Waiver and Book Loan Program if they meet any of these criteria:

  • You are eligible for the Free or Reduced Lunch (FRL) program in the district you are enrolled through. OR
  • You are currently receiving public assistance from a state or federal program. OR
  • You are a foster youth or have McKinney-Vento Status. OR
  • You are a College Bound Scholarship student OR
  • Your family income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level published in the Federal Register as noted below. Visit aspe.hhs.gov/poverty for more information.

2025 Poverty Guidelines, 200% Threshold

Household Size Gross Income
1  Less than $31,300
2  Less than $42,300
3  Less than $53,300
4  Less than $64,300

For each additional member of the 

household add:

 Add $11,000

Instructions and Required Documentation

Submit the Fee Waiver and Book Loan Program Application to the Secure Document Upload Tool (select Running Start for the department), with any of the following appropriate documentation: 

  • If you are eligible for FRL through your school district, you must submit a copy of the letter from your district or have your high school counselor select 'yes' to verify your free and reduced lunch status on your EVF.
  • If you are a foster youth, please provide a signed statement from your caseworker or high
    school counselor as documentation. Documentation must be on letterhead.
  • If you are eligible according to the chart above, you must submit a copy of your family's most recent tax filing
    (e.g. the first page of your most recent IRS 1040). Student's name must be listed on the tax return.
  • College Bound certificate.
  • Medical ID card w/medical coupon, TANF benefits, WIC Coupon, DSHS approval letter, Basic Food Statement, or HUD Housing award letter.
  • McKinney-Vento documentation.

Please visit the Running Start Office in SA-135 for questions about the Fee Waiver and Book Loan Program or inquire by email runningstart@greenriver.edu

Scholarships

Running Start students at GRC are eligible to apply for scholarships through the GRC Foundation to help cover the costs of fees, books, and supplies. Scholarship applications are open from January 30 to April 30 and August 15 to October 15. Learn more and apply here: GRC Foundation | Scholarships Apply Now

Students may also apply to scholarships outside of the GRC Foundation as well.