Washington State students can earn college credit and useful college-level skills while still in high school.
Compare the programs, plan ahead, and get started on your future today.
| Program Name |
Description |
Location |
Benefits |
Student Responsibilities |
Eligibility |
Student Costs |
| Tech Prep |
Federally funded program allowing students to earn college credit by taking certain career and technical education courses in high school.
Credits apply toward certificate or applied associate degree. |
High School |
- Remain in high school
- Prepare for career
- Earn both high school and college credit
- College credit at little or no cost
|
- Enroll in Tech Prep designated class at the high school
- Register for Tech Prep credit
- Earn a "B" or better in the course
|
"B" or better in the course |
- Minimal to no cost to student
- $0 to $25 registration, transcription fee
|
| Running Start |
Qualified Washington State high school juniors and seniors attend college classes and earn both high school and college credit at the same time. |
College |
- Earn college and high school credit at the same time
- Accelerated class experience
|
- Determine transferability of college credits
- Ensure credits apply to high school graduation requirements
- Meet application, registration deadlines
|
- High school junior or senior standing
- College-level score on college placement test
- Some colleges admit based on high school GPA
|
- Tuition waived
- Student pays for mandatory and consumable supply fees, textbooks and transportation
|
| College in the High School |
Qualified high school students take academic college- level courses taught at their high school, based on a local contract.
Students earn both high school and college credit. |
High school |
- Remain in high school
- Accelerated class
- Earn both high school and college credit
|
Meet college course standards |
High school determines if student ready for college-level work |
- Variety of fees, including tuition and textbooks.
- Up to full tuition and books
|
| Advanced Placement (AP) |
Specific, rigorous courses which prepare high school students to take Advanced Placement tests.
AP credit may allow higher placement and/or credit at the postsecondary level. |
High School |
- Remain in high school
- Accelerated class
- Advanced placement and/or college credit granted based on test score
|
- Apply for testin
- Meet high academic standards
|
Pass pre-requisite courses |
Test fee |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) |
Internationally recognized program which offers college credit for students completing a standardized curriculum and passing a culminating exam. |
High school |
- Remain in high school
- College credit if high enough test score
|
- Maintain high degree of scholarship
- Apply for testing
|
Determined locally |
Test fee |
| Early College High School |
Gates-funded initiative that offers a 9th to 12th grade accelerated learning experience for under-prepared students. |
High school or college |
Potential to earn a high school diploma and associated degree simultaneously |
Determined locally |
Determined locally |
Varies |