Running Start

Running Start at Pierce College is right for you, with convenient courses and locations, dedicated faculty, and helpful staff. Get started with college now and save money.

Important dates

Mandatory Running Start New Student Orientations

New Running Start students registering for Fall 2008 must attend a RS orientation or they will be withdrawn from their classes.

Please register here for one of the following sessions:

Fort Steilacoom

• September 9, 2008, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  [Health Education Building (Room 302)]
• September 17, 2008, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  [Health Education Building (Room 302)]

Puyallup

• September 4, 2008, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  CMPR
• September 18, 2008, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  CMPR

Download calendar of important dates (pdf format).

What is Running Start?

"Running Start" is a statewide community college program for academically qualified juniors and seniors in high school to enroll in courses to fulfill high school graduation requirements.

Your school district pays tuition for up to 18 credits per quarter.  Books, fees, supplies, tuition for additional credits and transportation to the college are your responsibility.  Classes taken at the college as part of the Running Start Program are limited to "college level courses" (numbered 100 or above).

The program is not available during the summer, but if you are eligible, you may enroll in summer classes at your own expense with your high school’s permission.

You may enroll simultaneously in high school and college classes or exclusively in college classes. How you choose to enroll will depend upon the classes or credits you need for high school graduation. Your total enrollment should equal one full-time load. You will receive both high school and college credit for classes taken at Pierce College and are considered to be dually enrolled in both educational systems.

High school graduation requirements are established by each school district. Check with your high school counselor to verify the courses and number of credits required in order to graduate. Generally, one five (5) credit class at the college earns one (1) high school unit.