Getting Started
Are you a high school student interested in starting your college experience?
Whether you have decided to participate in Running Start at Highline College or are still considering, prospective students and families are encouraged to review the information in the following sections to learn more about eligibility requirements, steps to enroll, costs and financial assistance, and student expectations.
What is Running Start?
Running Start is a dual credit program for high school juniors and seniors to take college-level classes tuition-free. Students can participate in Running Start during fall, winter, and spring quarters. Students earn college credits that can count toward both a high school diploma and college degree. With careful planning, it is possible for students who participate in Running Start during their junior and senior years to earn an associate degree or certificate by graduation. Students can take classes in preparation for university transfer or a career in a high demand field through Career Start.
Our staff can help you determine whether Running Start will meet your educational needs and get you started on the enrollment process. Once you are an enrolled student, our Running Start Advisors can help you with navigating the college environment, selecting classes, exploring your educational and career goals, and long-term educational planning.
New for 2023-24 academic year: Washington State legislation has increased the number of college credits covered by the Running Start program each quarter. Additionally, Running Start is available during summer quarter for rising juniors and rising seniors who have remaining enrollment/funding eligibility at the end of the school year. Students and families who are interested are encouraged to contact our office and their high school counselor for more information about these new changes and to plan accordingly.
Running Start Eligibility
- Be enrolled in a Washington State public high school, charter school, or tribal compact school (homeschool and private school students should contact their local public high school/district for enrollment procedures to participate in Running Start).
- High school junior or senior standing (as determined by your high school/district).
Steps to Enroll
Costs and Financial Assistance
Information Sessions
Important Dates and Deadlines
| Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS New Student Enrollment Packets Accepted (recommended to begin completing steps to enroll at this time) | April 8, 2024 | April 8, 2024 | November 4, 2024 | February 3, 2025 |
| Open Enrollment Begins (new students who have completed their steps to enroll can begin registering for classes) | May 20, 2024 | May 20, 2024 | November 8, 2024 | February 24, 2025 |
| Tuition & Fee Deadline | June 10, 2024 | September 9, 2024 | December 23, 2024 | March 17, 2025 |
| RS New Student Enrollment Packet Deadline | June 17, 2024 | September 16, 2024 | TBD | March 24, 2025 |
| Quarter Begins | June 24, 2024 | September 23, 2024 | January 6, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
Visit Dates and Deadlines to view important Highline College enrollment dates and deadline. Dates and deadlines are subject to change.
