Running Start - Costs for Running Start Students

Running Start students are required to pay mandatory college and/or student assessed fees as established by Pierce College.

Pierce College must waive mandatory college and/or student assessed fees for eligible low-income Running Start students.  Eligible low-income Running Start students are still required to pay course fees, tuition and fees for courses below 100 level and textbooks. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Student's family receives public assistance (SSI, TANF, QUEST, medical coupons).
  • Student is eligible to receive free or reduced lunch at their school district.
  • Student is a foster youth.

The Running Start office also provides assistance to eligible low income Running Start students with textbooks through the Book Loan Program.  The program is based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students are required to return loaned textbooks at the end of the quarter.

Download the Student Fee Waiver application.

Cost Details

Additional fees are required for some classes. See class listings.

  • COMPASS testing fee - $15.00. Please visit the testing center for more information.
  • Admissions fee - $25.00. The fee is non-refundable. Application will not be processed until fee has been paid.
  • Comprehensive student fee: parking, transcripts, and graduation expenses: $1.50 per credit ($15 maximum)
  • Technology fee: to advance the use of technology by students: $3.50 per credit ($35 maximum)
  • Fort Steilacoom Recreation Center Fee: building costs of a multi-purpose student recreation center for students at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom: $3.50 per credit ($35 maximum)
  • Puyallup Fitness and Recreational Fee: the costs of a fitness and recreational center for students at Pierce College Puyallup: $4.25 per credit (No maximum)
  • Additional fees are required for some classes. See class listings.
  • Textbooks

Valerie Frey
Running Start Manager (PY)
(253) 864-3210

Sarah Hoaglin
Program Specialist (FS)
(253) 964-6755

Terri Carney
Program Specialist (PY)
(253) 840-8339

Fort Steilacoom

Advising: (253) 964-6520
Testing: (253) 964-6521
runningstart@pierce.ctc.edu

Puyallup

Advising: (253) 840-8431
Testing: (253) 840-8343
puyrunningstart@pierce.ctc.edu