Running start students

Running Start

A dual-credit program that allows highly motivated high school Juniors & Seniors to earn high school and college credit. 

About Running Start

Running Start allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits and satisfy high school requirements. While taking classes, students can:

  • Work toward your college degree while preparing for high school completion
  • Save money on college tuition - tuition is covered, but quarterly fees apply
  • Learn from a wide and enriching selection of college courses
  • Broaden your perspective and challenge yourself with college-level classes
  • Keep up with your high school activities while you're in college

We welcome students who wish to get ahead, save money, and experience college life.

 

2026 Admissions Deadlines

Admission to Running Start is a multi-step process, requiring multiple application materials. Please see the appropriate deadlines for these materials below.

Quarter Accepting Applications Starting Priority Deadline* TCC Admission Application English Qualifying Measures Running Start Application Admissions Period Closes
Summer 2026 April 6th May 8th May 28th June 4th June 11th June 11th
Fall 2026 April 6th May 8th August 21st August 28th September 4th September 4th

*Priority applications received by priority deadline will ensure NEW students are eligible to enroll in courses when open enrollment begins. A complete priority application includes steps 1-3 in the admissions process.

Running Start Live Online Information Sessions

Interested in learning about Running Start? Feel free to attend a live online Info Session which will explain:

  • What Running Start is
  • How it works
  • How you can get started

 

(No online information sessions scheduled at this time)

Recorded Information Session

Feel free to watch a recorded Info Session instead of attending a live session. You can find the recorded session below:

Recorded Session

 

Contact Us

Reach out to us using one of the following methods below:

Email
runstart@tacomacc.edu 

Emails are reviewed:

Monday - Thursday

8AM to 5PM

Messages received will be responded to within 2 business days.

*Emails received on weekends and/or holidays may not be reviewed for up to 72-hours.

Email us

Phone

253-566-6061

Phones are monitored:

Monday - Thursday

8AM to 5PM

Call us