Course-Based Dual Credit

In course-based dual credit (also called concurrent enrollment), a student enrolls in a class that has the potential to earn both high school and college credit. Course-based dual credit classes can be offered at the college (Running Start) or at the high school (College in the High School and Career and Technical Education Dual Credit).

Running Start

Running Start is intended to provide students a program option consisting of attendance at certain higher education institutions and the simultaneous earning of high school and college/university credit. Running Start was initiated by the Legislature as a component of the 1990 parent and student Learning by Choice Law.

Students in grades 11 and 12 can take college courses at Washington's community and technical colleges, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Northwest Indian College, and Washington State University.

Access Running Start updates and forms for the current school year in the program details below.

Running Start Program Details

Running Start students and their families do not pay tuition for Running Start courses, but they may need to pay college fees and buy their books, as well as provide their own transportation. Students receive both high school and college credit for passing these classes and, therefore, can accelerate their progress by completing specific credit requirements for high school graduation and course requirements for a technical certification or associate’s degree.

The ability to access Running Start is subject only to minimal eligibility and procedural requirements, which are spelled out in state administrative rules. See RCW 28A.600.310 for more detailed information.

1.40 FTE Limitation

SHB 1316 has increased the combined AAFTE limit from 1.2 to 1.4. Please utilize the 2025-26 Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF) for 2025-26 Running Start students. For more information on how to complete the RSEVF, consult the RSEVF Tutorial. 

The resources mentioned above are linked below:

• Bulletin 057-23 Dual Credit Update (September 2023)
• Running Start Technical Guide (2023)
• 2025-26 RSEVF Digital*
• 2025-26 RSEVF Non-Digital
• RSEVF Tutorial
• Spring Quarter Enrollment Adjustment Form (SQEAF) (Updated January 2024)

*Note: The digital signature functionality will not work in a web browser. Please download the form in Adobe Acrobat to utilize the e-signature feature.

Reimbursement Rates

School Year	Non-vocational Rate	Vocational Rate
2025-26	$10,291.15	$11,156.93
2024-25	$10,037.85	$10,916.85
2023-24	$9,597.46	$10,486.16
2022-23	$9,341.94	$10,284.31
2021-22	$8,726.20	$9,718.57
2020-21	$8,679.65	$9,664.94

Start a Program

Community and Technical College Running Start Contact Info, WA Public Baccalaureate Running Start Contact Info

For Families

Contact your local college to learn more about the courses they offer through Running Start.

If you are a parent or student interested in getting started, check out our How to Enroll In Running Start Guide.

The RSEVF (linked under "1.40 FTE Limitation") is required for each student participating in Running Start. The form must be completed with high school staff and provided each term to any college where the student is participating in the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Running Start FAQ

Tuition Assistance

Students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunch may receive tuition and fee waivers from the college. Please contact the college’s Running Start coordinator to see if you qualify for these waivers.

Summer Running Start

Review the May Dual Credit Newsflash for recently released Summer Running Start Updates and FAQ.

Enrollment Verification Forms

Summer quarter Running Start is now open for a maximum of 10 credits to students completing the 10th grade and those in 11th and 12th grade with available AAFTE. Students with FTE capacity may enroll using the Summer Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF) form below:

• Summer RSEVF Digital
• Summer RSEVF Non-Digital

Summer Running Start Eligibility

Established in 2022 through a legislative proviso, “after-exit” Running Start permitted graduating seniors and those who exceeded FTE limitations to take up to 15 college credits through Running Start in the summer term to complete an associate degree. “After-exit” Running Start was not reauthorized in the 2025 legislation session and is no longer available to graduating seniors or any students exceeding the 1.40 FTE limitation.

All eligible students with FTE capacity at the conclusion of the spring term, including those completing the 10th grade and graduating seniors, may participate in Running Start in the summer term for up to 10 college credits, depending on their available FTE. This applies to home-based and private school students as well, provided they are eligible by class standing and meet the school district requirements for enrollment.

Students who have met high school credit requirements and are eligible to graduate in June may delay officially graduating to enroll in summer Running Start for up to 10 credits.

Running Start Enrollment Data

This annual report examines statewide Running Start enrollment, as required by Substitute House Bill (SHB) 1316(1)(4) and codified in Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 28A.600.402(4) (Running Start program – Funding levels – Report).  

• 2023-24 Running Start Enrollment Report to the Legislature
• 2023-24 Running Start Enrollment Data

College in the High School (CiHS)

College in the High School courses are college-level courses taught by high school teachers in the high school and available in 9th through 12th grade. Colleges partner with high schools to approve teachers and ensure course content, outcomes, and rigor are comparable to those of the corresponding college course. Students have the option of earning college credit while completing these courses or taking them for high school credit only. Pursuant to SSB 5048 and beginning in the 2023-24 school year, all public school students enrolling in CiHS for postsecondary credit through approved public colleges or universities may do so at no cost.

College in the High School Program Details

Find out which colleges offer CiHS programs.

Approved colleges for the 2024-25 school year

Start a CiHS Program

• Program Essentials for School
• National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnership (NACEP) Launching & Managing Concurrent Enrollment: A District/High School Guide
• Community and Technical College Contact Information
• Washington Public Baccalaureate Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

College in High School FAQ

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit

CTE Dual Credit courses are taught at the high school by high school teachers and are approved by colleges that partner with the high school. High schools and colleges enter into articulation agreements that ensure courses taken align with college programs, prepare students for careers and/or postsecondary education, and can lead to college credit. These courses fall within a career pathway and can move a student towards completion of a certificate or degree in that field.

Career and Technical Education Dual Credit Program Details

• CTE Statewide Course Equivalencies - See which high school CTE courses match with college subjects
• CTE Essentials - Everything you need to know for students, teachers, and business

Start a CTE Program

• Program of Study, Career Clusters, and Career Pathways - Steps for establishing a new CTE program
• OSPI CTE Webpage - Find everything you need related to CTE programming
• Professional Development - What does it take to teach CTE courses?