Benefits of participating in Running Start
- Students and families can register for up to 15 tuition-free college credits per quarter based on high school enrollment.
- Earn high school and college credit simultaneously.
- With careful planning, students can earn an associate degree along with their high school diploma.
- Experience the rigor of college-level coursework and increased personal responsibility.
- Wide variety of classes and degree options.
- Flexible class schedule (day, afternoon, evening, hybrid, and online course options) at multiple campus locations (Auburn, Kent, and Enumclaw).
- Small class sizes (average class size is 32 students).
- Participate in college activities and leadership opportunities, with the exception of intercollegiate athletics.
Challenges of participating in Running Start
- Running Start is not entirely free. The average quarterly cost for a full-time Running Start student is approximately $240 in fees per quarter. Textbooks can range from $100-300+ per quarter. We have a Fee Waiver & Book Loan Program to students who qualify, which can reduce the cost of attendance.
- Classes move at a faster pace than high school; a year-long high school course is condensed into an 11 week quarter.
- Green River has a different break schedule than high school. Students are responsible for planning their schedules accordingly.
- Parent/guardian access to student records is limited. The College must abide by strict privacy rules. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records without student written permission. We provide all Running Start students an opportunity to complete a Release of Information form.
- College is an adult learning environment. Courses may cover controversial issues.
- Students must arrange their own transportation to and from campus; parking is free.
Special Notices
Paperwork Processing Update as of 7/23
Current students: within 1 business day
New students: within 3 business days
Events
Upload Tool
Contact Us
Phone: 253-288-3380
Email: runningstart@greenriver.edu
(Do not include ID# or file attachments)
Visit: Student Affairs & Success Center - SA 135
Hours: GRC is closed on Fridays through August 30th. The Running Start office will be closed to the public on Fridays during this time.
Monday-Thursday:
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday-Thursday:
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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