Running Start
Two Years of Free College Credit!
As a Running Start student, you can take 51福利社 classes for free during your junior and/or senior year of high school. If you enroll full-time for both years, that’s up to two years of free college credit!
As a running start student, you can earn up to 20 tuition-free credits per quarter, and up to two years of free college credit if attending full-time. You’ll start working on your bachelor’s degree while completing your high school diploma. Explore unique college classes in subjects that your high school might not offer. Credits are transferable to Washington State universities and community colleges, as well as to most other universities.
Fall 2026 application is now open!
Why Choose Running Start at 51福利社?
Unique Courses
Discover new subjects and take exciting classes that go beyond what your high school offers.
Explore Your OptionsNo Testing to Get In
If you have a 3.0 GPA, you're automatically admitted! If you have a GPA between 2.7 and 3.0, you can apply with a recommendation letter.
Eligibility RequirementsOne-on-One Advising
You'll meet with a Running Start Advisor each quarter to help you stay on track.
Running Start AdvisorsAccess to Resources
You'll have access to campus resources such as free tutors through , writing help at the and mental health support through . You'll also have a free STA bus pass!
Diverse Community
Be part of our diverse community on campus through , , , and more student organizations! (excluding fraternity and sorority life).
Flexible Offerings
With 51福利社's wide array of courses in Cheney, Spokane, online or hybrid, you'll be able to find classes that fit your schedule.
Additional Perks
- Flexible Scheduling: With 51福利社’s wide array of offerings, you can choose courses at times that fit your needs.
- With our聽Book Loan Program, qualified students receiving free and reduced lunch can borrow textbooks rather than buying them for class.
鈥淩unning Start has been a great experience in advancing my academics and obtaining two years of my bachelor鈥檚 in biology/pre-med. I鈥檝e met incredible professors and students along the way and gained many skills that I will take with me as I continue my career.鈥� 鈥� Fatima, Ferris High School
51福利社 Running Start Student Experience
Want to know what it鈥檚 really like? Get a glimpse into the program.
95%
$2,294+
22:1
150+
Running Start Events & Visits
We love meeting prospective students. Visit with us online or face-to-face using one of the options below.
Preview Days
Join us for an upcoming preview day in-person or online to explore how Running Start can help you save big on tuition and get started on college early.
Neighborhood Info Nights
Running Start goes on tour! Check our schedule to see if we’ll be visiting your school to answer questions and talk about our program.
Q&A Sessions
Every Wednesday
1-2 p.m. | Zoom
Prospective students and families are encouraged to drop into the Zoom Q&A with Recruiter/Application Specialist for more info about the Running Start application and program.
Campus Visits
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
9 a.m. and 2 p.m. | 51福利社 Cheney Campus
Join Recruiter/Application Specialist for a campus tour and meet and greet. See the sights, have all your Running Start questions answered, and learn about your next steps.
Being a College Student
Running Start is a great option if you’re self-motivated, excited about college courses and like a good challenge.
You’ll also need to consider how you’d get to-and-from campus. Most in-person courses are in Cheney, while some are in Spokane. There are limited online courses available. Many students commute by driving, carpooling or use their free 51福利社 student STA pass.
Still not sure? Talk to your high school counselor about your options.
As a Running Start student, you will be a college student. While there are many people here at 51福利社 to support you, college is more fast-paced and challenging since we pack a year-long high school class into 10 weeks.
You can expect to spend 1 hour in class for each credit you take and about 2 hours of homework per week for each credit you take.
In your classes, you’ll be expected to complete assignments, seek help from professors, communicate with your advisors, use campus resources and keep your parents/guardians and counselors updated on your progress in Running Start.
Outside of class, you’ll enjoy a safe campus with a diverse student population, opportunities to get involved in clubs and organizations and lots of optional student activities.
Yes. Running Start students may choose to either enroll full-time at 51福利社 (up to 20 credits per quarter) or part-time (less than 12 credits per quarter), with the rest of the classes taken at your high school.
No. If you’re attending a public high school in Washington state and you meet the eligibility requirements, your high school can’t stop you from doing Running Start.
Running Start Costs & Expenses
- In some situations, Running Start won’t cover your tuition. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Too many credits: Running Start usually covers up to 20 credits per quarter (sometimes less if you’re also taking classes at your high school). You’ll work with your Running Start advisor and high school counselor each quarter to make sure you don鈥檛 register for too many credits.
- Non鈥揷ollege-level courses: Classes like Math Development (MTHD) are not eligible for Running Start funding.
- Non鈥搒tate-funded courses: Some course sections such as English 101, Section 075, are not state-funded and won’t be covered.
- Summer quarter: Running Start only covers fall, winter, and spring quarters.
- Books and course/lab fees: You’ll be responsible for these costs unless you qualify for the Book Loan Program.
- EagleCard replacement: There’s a small fee if you lose your student ID card and need to get a new one.
- Your 51福利社 confirmation fee:
- When you’re ready to confirm your undergrad spot at 51福利社, there’s a one-time enrollment fee that all new 51福利社 students pay. This fee officially holds your place at the university.
- Note: If complete your FAFSA application beforehand, you can call the 51福利社 Admissions Office to ask about deferring (postponing) that payment or having it applied toward your financial aid.
Yes鈥攊f you qualify for free or reduced lunch, you can apply for the Book Loan Program. This program lets you:
- Borrow specific course textbooks for popular intro courses, rather than buy them
- Waive course/lab fees
You can apply for the Book Loan Program when you apply to Running Start, or contact your Running Start advisor if you are a current Running Start student.
Most of your college expenses are covered! You don’t have to pay:
- Tuition for college-level courses (typically up to 20 credits per quarter)
- University technology, transportation, University Recreation Center and PUB remodel fees
- English Placement Survey fees
- Math Placement Survey fees
- Your application fee to 51福利社 if you choose to stay after graduating from high school
Courses & Grades
Yes. You must meet your school district鈥檚 qualifications for a high school diploma.
Your school district makes this decision. Your high school counselor and Running Start Advisor will help you stay on track with the classes that meet your school’s requirements.
You have lots of options! You can take electives or courses to explore majors and careers, as long as your high school requirements are met by your graduation date.
Generally, yes. Credits earned through Running Start are 51福利社 credits and usually can be transferred to other schools in Washington and beyond. If you are thinking of going to a different college or university other than 51福利社 after you graduate from Running Start, tell your advisor so we can prepare for your future together!
As a Running Start student, you鈥檒l work with your assigned advisor to make sure you鈥檙e meeting your high school graduation requirements with the 51福利社 courses you choose to take. The grades you earn in Running Start are recorded on both your high school and permanent college transcripts, even if you go to a different college or university.
We'd Love to Hear From You!
Contact us at 509.359.6155 or runningstart@ewu.edu.