Running Start

WSU Tri-Cities Running Start Program

Washington State University Tri-Cities is proud to offer the Running Start program for qualifying high school juniors and seniors.  The Running Start program allows students to attend classes on the WSU Tri Cities campus and receive both high school and college credit simultaneously.

We partner with all Mid-Columbia high schools, along with surrounding school districts, including Prosser, Connell, Columbia, Kahlotus, Finley, Kiona-Benton, Omak and Grandview.

There are many benefits to students participating in the Running Start program at WSU Tri-Cities, including developing skills that support academic achievement, the ability to pursue degree interests and taking up to 15 college credits per semester – tuition free.  Running Start students may attend WSU Tri-Cities full-time or combine their classes between the high school and WSU Tri-Cities. 

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Students who have a 3.50 or higher cumulative high school GPA (on a 4.0 scale) are academically eligible for consideration and reviewed for admission by a WSU faculty committee after submitting the following:

  • Unofficial high school transcript
  • FERPA Form
  • Parent Permission Form

Students who have a 3.30 to 3.49 cumulative unweighted high school GPA or home school students are reviewed by a faculty committee on an individual basis. Additional information is requested to assist the committee in making their determination.

Additional documents include:

  • Unofficial high school transcript
  • Personal statement (detailing education goals)
  • Two letters of recommendation (teachers, high school counselors, academic coaches, etc.)
  • Test scores if applicable (PSAT, ACT, PLAN)
  • FERPA Form
  • Parent Permission Form

See our Frequently Asked Questions about WSU Running Start and contact us with any other questions or concerns.