Running Start
Two Years of Free College Credit!
As a Running Start student, you can take EWU 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 21 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.
Summer and Fall 2025 applications are currently open!
Why Choose Running Start at EWU?
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 PLUS, writing help at the Writers' Center and mental health support through Counseling and Wellbeing Services. You'll also have a free STA bus pass!
More ResourcesDiverse Community
Be part of our diverse community on campus through intramural sports, Pride Center, Multicultural Center, University Recreation Center and more student organizations! (excluding fraternity and sorority life).
More Clubs & OrgsFlexible Offerings
With EWU's wide array of courses in Cheney, Spokane, online or hybrid, you'll be able to find classes that fit your schedule.
Look Up ClassesAdditional Perks
- Flexible Scheduling: With EWU’s wide array of offerings, you can choose courses at times that fit your needs.
- With our Book Loan Program, qualified students receiving free and reduced lunch can borrow textbooks rather than buying them for class.
“Running Start has been a great experience in advancing my academics and obtaining two years of my bachelor’s in biology/pre-med. I’ve met incredible professors and students along the way and gained many skills that I will take with me as I continue my career.” -Fatima, Ferris High School
95%
$2,294+
22:1
150+
Get to Know Us; Attend an Event!
We love meeting prospective students. Visit with us online or face-to-face using one of the options below.
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 Andy Aldaco for more info about the Running Start application and program.
Campus Visits
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
9 a.m. and 2 p.m. | EWU Cheney Campus
Join Recruiter/Application Specialist Andy Aldaco for a campus tour and meet and greet. See the sights, have all your Running Start questions answered, and learn about your next steps.
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.
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 using their free EWU 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 EWU 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 body, 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 EWU (up to 21 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
- Tuition in certain situations: Running Start will not cover your tuition if you enroll in:
- More credits than allowed per quarter. Typically, this is anything over 21 credits but if may be 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 avoid registering for too many credits.
- Courses that are not college-level such as Math Development (MTHD).
- Courses not state-funded such as Section 075 of English 101.
- Summer quarter.
- Textbooks and course/lab fees, unless you qualify for the Book Loan Program. EWU estimates that these costs can be up to $1,000 for the full academic year for full-time undergraduate students (but, these costs are usually less for Running Start students).
- Replacement fee if you lose your EagleCard
- EWU confirmation fee if you choose to stay at EWU after Running Start (we cover the application fee).
If 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 21 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 EWU if you choose to stay after graduating from high school
Courses & Grades
Yes. You must meet your school district’s 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 EWU 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 EWU after you graduate from Running Start, tell your advisor so we can prepare for your future together!
As a Running Start student, you’ll work with your assigned advisor to make sure you’re meeting your high school graduation requirements with the EWU 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.