Your High Schooler in College Classes

The Running Start program offers your child a new academic challenge, more independence, and tuition-free college credits at SPSCC.

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Student smiles with arms crossed, leaning on a large red statue

Did you know? While college classes are more rigorous than high school, Running Start students are highly successful at SPSCC.

Through Running Start, high school juniors and seniors can attend SPSCC tuition-free and earn college credits—or even an Associate Degree—at the same time as their high school diploma.

Each year, hundreds of Running Start students graduate from SPSCC and transfer to a 4-year university in Washington.

Why consider Running Start?

  • Your family can save $10,000+ toward your child's bachelor's degree when they do Running Start during for their junior and senior years.

  • Your child can build independence and university readiness, take classes not offered at the high school, and make a diverse group of friends.

  • Running Start students can join clubs, study abroad, serve on student leadership, or get a job on-campus to make extra money.

A Top 10 Best College

Trust us when we say we're a great choice for your student. SPSCC is proud to be one of the top 10 community colleges in the U.S.! We're also the largest higher ed institution in Thurston County.

SPSCC's Building 22 with a badge that reads "Aspen Prize Finalist 2025"

  • In addition to tuition-free qualified courses, Fee Waivers and Book Loans are available to students who qualify for Free/Reduced Price Lunch (FRPL) at the high school.

  • Nearly 1,400 students from every local high school have already enrolled in Running Start for this year. Will your child join us?

  • If your child is ready to grow socially and academically, Running Start may be a great fit for your family!

Ready to learn more?

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Meet a few students

  • Student with long red curls smiles in purple blouse

    Aurora

    Grad Year: 2024 Timberline & SPSCC
    Fave Class: Political Science with Professor Peter Rex
    Next: Attending CWU for Law & Justice

  • Student in white sweater stands in front of trees

    Isaiah

    Grad Year: 2025 North Thurston & SPSCC
    Earning: Cybersecurity & Network Administration Transfer Degree
    Next: Attend University of Houston or University of Washington

  • Student smiles in front of grass and building with trees in front of it

    Camila

    Grad Year: 2025 Olympia HS & SPSCC
    Earning: Associate in Biology Transfer Degree
    Next: Transfer to a 4-year University

Explore Admissions & What You Pay

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