Program Comparisons – Which Program(s) are Right for You?

Running Start
Program	Benefits	Things to Consider
The Running Start program allows academically qualified juniors and seniors the opportunity to enroll in certain Washington colleges for college credit. Students are regular college students with the same rights and responsibilities. Students may participate in college clubs and organizations and intramural sports. Running Start students are not eligible to participate in college sports teams and sororities/fraternities.	Tuition is free; students/parents can save up to two years in college tuition costs; Earn up to two years of college credit; Take a wide variety of classes that may not be offered at the high school; Experiencing college classes while still in high school can help in making future educational plans; Gives academically qualified students opportunity to take more challenging or advanced courses; Highly motivated, mature students may thrive in the college environment; A diverse college student population provides a rich learning environment; Testing is not required to earn credit; and Credits transferable to Washington State universities and community colleges, as well as to most other universities.	Transportation arrangements, book purchases, and class fees are the responsibility of the student; Scheduling of college classes may conflict with some high school classes/activities; High schools provide a more of a social network and experiences geared toward teenagers; Students may find the required independence and speed of college classes overwhelming; student’s maturity level should be considered; Grades in college courses become a part of the student’s permanent high school and college records; Academic calendars are different, including holidays, finals, and vacations; and May be exposure to alternative view points and material of an adult nature in college classes.
Running Start Online
Program	Benefits	Things to Consider
Same as Running Start On-Campus, but classes are attended online either at your high school or home or anywhere you can connect to the internet. Must be a self-starter and self-motivated. Much more difficult than a traditional class.	Tuition is free; Take classes that may not be offered at the high school; Students have opportunity to gain confidence as they experience college-level curriculum; Gives academically qualified students opportunity to take more challenging or advanced courses; Testing is not required to earn credit; and Credits transferable to Washington State universities and community colleges, as well as to most other universities.	Book purchases and class fees are the responsibility of the student; Grades in college courses become a part of the student’s permanent high school and college records; Students may find the required independence and pace of online classes overwhelming; student’s maturity and motivation levels should be considered; and Grades in college courses become a part of the student’s permanent high school and college records.
College in the High School
Program	Benefits	Things to Consider
EWU in the High School allows eligible high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors to take college courses at their local high school for educational enrichment and college credit.	Tuition is free to all public school students, $65/credit for all private school students; Potential to graduate high school with numerous college credits; Experience college-level curriculum within the comfort and familiarity of the high school classroom; Classes taught by qualified teachers approved by EWU faculty in their field; Gain confidence and earn college credit while completing high school graduation requirements; and Testing is not required to earn credit.	You can take as many classes as fit in your schedule and allow you to graduate from high school on time! There may also be funding limitations depending on your situation and high school; Purchased textbooks may be required; and Grades in college courses become a part of the student’s permanent high school and college records.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Program	Benefits	Things to Consider
Students take rigorous college-like courses while still in high school.	Rigorous courses introduce students to college-level academics; Students may earn college credit and/or advanced placement into upper-level college courses by taking AP exams; and Many institutions recognize AP courses when making admissions decisions.	Students pay for end-of-course exams; College treatment of AP credit varies widely by school; increasingly, students don't receive college credit for high scores on AP exams; and There are no mandatory requirements for AP teachers, so the quality of an AP course can vary greatly.

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