Running Start

WSU Tri-Cities Running Start Program

Washington State University Tri-Cities is pleased to offer the Running Start program for qualifying high school juniors and seniors attending a high school within Benton-Franklin (and surrounding) counties. The Running Start program allows students to attend classes on the WSU Tri-Cities campus and receive both high school and college credit simultaneously – tuition free! Students can choose to take one class per semester or attend full time.

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Eligibility Criteria

  • Junior or senior standing in high school
  • Enrolled in a Washington State public high school
  • Have a 3.30 cumulative GPA or higher

Have questions regarding your eligibility? Connect with our Running Start office for more information.

tricities.runningstart@wsu.edu

509-372-7439

CIC 101 Learning Commons

Admissions process

  1. Students who wish to attend WSU Tri-Cities as a Running Start student must meet the Tri-Cities Running Start eligibility criteria. If a student meets the requirements, the student will then complete a WSU Tri-Cities Running Start online application at no cost.
    1. The WSU Tri-Cities Running Start online application link is only on this website and is only open from February 1 – April 1.
  2. Students will be notified of their admission status on or before April 1.
    1. When applying, the student should use a valid email address that is checked regularly.
  3. If a student is admitted, they will receive an email with information regarding next steps on how to confirm their admission into the Running Start program.
  4. Once a student confirms their admission into the WSU Tri-Cities Running Start program, they will learn all essential information about being a Running Start Coug.

We highly encourage students to discuss Running Start and high school graduation requirements early with their high school counselor.

View frequently asked questions.

Students who have a 3.50 or higher cumulative high school GPA:

  1. Submit a free online WSU Tri-Cities Running Start application
  2. After submission of the Running Start application, students will be instructed to complete/upload the following documents in the “Application Status” section of the online application:
    1. Unofficial high school transcript
    2. FERPA form
    3. Parent permission form
    4. Optional: AP test scores, SAT or ACT test scores

Students who have a 3.30 to 3.49 cumulative unweighted high school GPA or homeschooled/private school:

  1. Submit a free online WSU Tri-Cities Running Start application
  2. After submission of the Running Start application, students will be instructed to complete/upload the following documents in the “Application Status” section of the online application:
    1. Unofficial high school transcript
    2. FERPA form
    3. Parent permission form
    4. Personal statement detailing education goals
    5. 2 letters of recommendation (teacher, high school counselor, coach, etc.)
    6. Optional: AP test scores, SAT or ACT test scores

The additional documents/forms are needed for the Running Start application to be complete. Any incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed after the April 1 deadline.

Olivia Ledezma Headshot
Olivia LedezmaAssistant Director for Running Start and Academic Advisor
photo of Sofia Ramirez
Sofia RamirezRunning Start Student Mentor