Important Changes to the Running Start Program ~ effective Fall 2011
See also: Frequently Asked Questions about New State Funding
Starting Fall 2011, the Washington State Legislature has limited the combined high school and college credits the State will fund for each student.
This means Washington colleges are required to collect tuition for any credits a Running Start student takes in excess of a 1.2 FTE combined high school and college course load.
| FTE stands for full-time equivalency and is how the state measures student enrollment. A student taking 15 college level credits is considered one FTE at the college. |
Students who stay at or below 1.2 FTE for their combined high school/college schedule may still participate in the Lower Columbia College Running Start program tuition-free.
What does it mean to be "1.2 FTE"? There is a maximum limit of roughly 120% of a full-time student that can be funded by Running Start. Here are some examples:
- A student who is enrolled full-time at his/her high school would be eligible to have up to 3 credits of LCC tuition paid by Running Start.
- A student who is enrolled in 15 credits (full-time) at LCC can take no more than one class at the high school in order to have all the tuition for 15 credits funded by Running Start.
Examples of combinations adding up to a tuition-free schedule.
| High School and College FTE |
| Combinations that add up to 1.2 FTE |
| Classes in High School |
Credits at College |
Total FTE |
| 1 |
15 |
1.2 |
| 2 |
12 |
1.2 |
| 3 |
10 |
1.2 |
| 4 |
6 |
1.2 |
| 5 |
3 |
1.2 |
| Note: This is a simplified, unofficial approximation. The chart on the Running Start Enrollment Verification form has the exact number of weekly minutes at the high school and the number of college credits for which Running Start will pay. |
Students who choose to enroll above the 1.2 FTE level will pay $96.39 in tuition for each credit in excess of the combined limit. Running Start students who enroll for more than 15 college credits will also be charged tuition for each credit over 15.
This does not apply to those enrolled in vocational programs or at Skills Centers.
Students enrolled for LCC classes through Running Start for must verify their enrollment plans using the Running Start Enrollment Verification Form. The Running Start Enrollment Verification Form includes a chart to help students and parents know which combinations of high school and college classes add up to a tuition-free schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lower Columbia College also developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions about New State Funding.
Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to review this information closely, including the statewide Running Start Enrollment Verification Form, to determine whether your combined schedule is above or below the state-funded limit.
Depending on your previously-planned Fall quarter schedule your options include:
- If your combined high school and college credits are less than 1.2 FTE, no changes will be necessary.
- If your combined high school and college credits are more than 1.2 FTE you may choose to:
- Reduce your schedule at either your high school or LCC, or
- Pay college tuition at Lower Columbia College for credits in excess of 1.2 FTE. Tuition at Lower Columbia College will be charged at $96.39 per credit.
Remember to pay close attention to registration deadlines to get the schedule and classes due to the high enrollment in courses.
| Questions? Contact Us |
| Running Start Office, Student Center, Room 109 (inside the Student Activities Office located on the first floor lobby) |
| For advising appointments or other information please contact
- Director of Student Programs
|
| Alternatively please contact
|
Lower Columbia College offers the Running Start program to high school students seeking to earn college credits while completing their high school education.