Running Start
Running Start
CWU welcomes eligible high school juniors and seniors to participate in the Running Start program at Ellensburg and online.
Explore Running Start
Students enrolled in the Running Start program are able to take college courses tuition-free. The credits earned from these courses are generally transferable to other colleges and universities, while also satisfying high school graduation requirements.
Advising
Learn more about Running Start advising and how to meet with your advisor.
Resources
View the Running Start Resources that are available to you such as the catalog and your advisor.
Admission Requirements
View the Running Start admission requirements and upcoming Important application dates.
Homeschool Students
Read about how CWU encourages Homeschool Students to apply for Running Start.
Apply Now
Submit your application to the CWU Running Start program.
Why Running Start?
Participating in the Running Start program allows Running Start students the opportunity to take a wide range of courses from CWU faculty and gain the experience of a traditional college student while also enjoying the support of their family, high school, and local community.
Students may enroll simultaneously in high school and college courses, or exclusively in college courses. Running Start is available to local high school students at the main campus in Ellensburg and online. Please explore our website to see if Running Start at Central Washington University is right for you.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at RunningStart3@cwu.edu or call us at
- Admissions & Testing Information
- Attend a CWU Running Start Information Session in Ellensburg
- Homeschool Students
- Benefits & Things to Keep in Mind
- Running Start Advising
Upcoming Important Application Deadlines for 2026-2027
- Fall Quarter: Closes September 4, 2026
- Winter Quarter: Opens September 5, 2026 – Closes December 14, 2026
- Spring Quarter: Opens December 15, 2026 – Closes March 16, 2027
- Summer Quarter: Opens March 17, 2027 – Closes June 7, 2027
Students should submit an application for the quarter they want to start participating in Running Start. Please do not submit applications for multiple quarters.
We encourage all students to apply and complete any required testing early.
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