Transferring credits in Washington

No tuition: Running Start is paid from the student's Basic Education Allocation, tuition-free up to 21 college credits per term and a combined 1.40 FTE (high school + college) per year. Families DO pay mandatory college fees (course fees, placement testing, technology, student-voted fees) set by each college, plus textbooks, materials and transportation. Colleges must make fee waivers available to low-income Running Start students, but consumable supplies and textbooks are explicitly outside the definition of 'fees' and are not covered by the mandatory low-income waiver. Credits beyond 21 or beyond 1.40 FTE are charged at the college's regular per-credit rate.

Who can enroll. Students eligible to be in 11th or 12th grade under district grade-placement policies (rising 11th graders who finished 10th grade may enroll for the preceding summer term, capped at 10 credits), under age 21 (22 with special education services), who have not yet earned the credits for a high school diploma. Applies to Washington's 34 public community and technical colleges plus participating public four-year universities; students may attend any participating college without a district MOU.

Up to 21 credits per term.

Anchored on 33 public colleges in Washington · verified 2026-07-31.