Running Start

Running Start allows qualified high school juniors and seniors to enroll tuition-free in college-level courses as part of their high school program of study. Books, supplies, lab fees, and transportation are the responsibility of the student. Students are responsible to pay for any college courses numbered below 100. 

1. To be admitted to BBCC as a Running Start student, students must be registered as a junior or senior in a Washington state public school, under 21 years of age, and place into a college-level English or college-level mathematics course. (College-level classes are numbered 100 and above.)
2. Students who will take only professional/technical courses, such as welding, industrial systems technology, etc., may qualify by placement into the required English and mathematics for that program.
3. Homeschooled students and students attending private schools must be evaluated at the junior or senior level by a public high school official and enroll at that school.
4. Students who have passed the GED and who do not have a high school diploma may enroll through their high school and be eligible for the Running Start program until the age of 21.

• Students must qualify for the Running Start program by placing into college-level English or math.
• See placement options for details. 

• We encourage prospective Running Start Students to meet with their high school counselor regarding participation in the program. Counselors can help students decide if the program is a good fit and will be able to determine what classes a student will need to enroll in at BBCC to complete their high school graduation requirements.

All incoming juniors and seniors, new to the Running Start program for Summer 2026, are eligible to enroll in a maximum of 10 college-level credits. 

To qualify and enroll in summer classes, students must meet the Admissions Deadlines below and attend the New Student Enrollment (NSE) on June 4^th. 

Considering Summer Quarter Running Start?

Yes or No:   Am I available July 1^st – August 8^th? Summer quarter is condensed into 6 weeks (fall, winter, and spring quarters are 11 weeks,), so students are expected to complete the same amount of course work in ½ the amount of time.

Yes or No:   Do I have a reliable computer and internet connection? (most summer classes are offered online). Laptops are available for check out through the BBCC Library.

Yes or No:   Do I have time to commit to classes? Example: 1 class + study time = 24 hours per week, 2 classes + study time = 48 hours per week.

As a current Running Start student, you may be eligible to enroll in a maximum of 10 college-level credits in Summer. The quarter is condensed into 6 weeks (students will be expected to complete the same amount of course work in ½ the amount of time).

Important: The number of credits you are eligible to take must be calculated and confirmed by your high school before Running Start can pay for your Summer quarter classes.

• Enrollment for Summer quarter begins on May 26^th
• Return your Summer Quarter Running Start Enrollment Verification Form to BBCC by June 4^th (NOTE: this form is different from the RSEVF form used for fall, winter, and spring).
• Class fees are due June 11^th. Summer quarter classes begin July 1^st and end August 12^th.

Current Running Start students who are high school seniors (12^th grade) and who meet all high school graduation requirements by June may delay being officially graduated by their high school in order to take up to 10 more college credits through summer Running Start.

• This year, students delaying their graduation must submit both the RSEVF and the Summer Running Start Assurance form indicating that they have formally requested a delayed graduation and understand the ramifications of doing so.

Important: The number of credits you are eligible to take must be calculated and confirmed by your high school before Running Start can pay for your Summer quarter classes. Work with your high school counselor ASAP if you plan to enroll in Summer Classes.

• Enrollment for Summer quarter begins on May 26^th
• Return your Summer Quarter Running Start Enrollment Verification Form and the Summer Running Start Assurances for Students Delaying Graduation forms to RunningStart@bigbend.edu.
  
  • Students will not be permitted to enroll in Summer Classes until these forms are turned in. 
• Class fees are due June 11^th. Summer quarter classes begin July 1^st and end August 12^th.

Welcome to Big Bend Community College! 

Apply Now

1. Apply to BBCC as a Running Start student.
2. Applicants will receive a welcome email once their application has been processed. This message will be sent to the email used to apply. Sometimes communications go to junk, be sure to check your inbox and junk mail frequently if you are expecting a communication from the college.

Questions? Contact Admissions (509) 793-2089, admissions@bigbend.edu, or visit in person at the 1400 bldg.

When you receive your welcome email, please follow the directions to activate your ctcLink Student Account. This is an important step for new students.

Running Start students must qualify for the program by placing in college-level English or math.

How to submit your high school transcript:

1. Wait for your Admissions Application to be processed.
   You’ll receive a welcome email with your BBCC student ID (ctcLink ID)—you’ll need this to begin.
2. Complete the Placement Evaluation Request.
   This is where you’ll upload your high school transcript and learn about other options for placement. 

• All new students are required to complete an Online Viking Orientation and it must be completed before you attend New Student Enrollment. The online orientation is a resource for you to refer to anytime.

• At your New Student Enrollment session, an advisor will help you understand your placement results, find essential resources on the BBCC website, and help you enroll in your first quarter classes. The link to sign up for this event is found in the Online Viking Orientation.

• Each quarter students must submit a Running Start Verification Form to BBCC to get their tuition paid, failure to submit this form before the tuition due date will result in a student being dropped from their classes.

1. Verification Forms can be submitted via email to RunningStart@bigbend.edu or in person at the Student Services Desk in the 1400 bldg.
2. All signatures (high school counselor, parent/guardian, and student) must be on the form. BBCC will accept your typed name in the signature space if you are unable to sign the document. BBCC staff will provide the College Running Start Advisor/Representative signature when the form in received in our office.
3. 2025-2026 Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF)
4. 2026-2027 form coming soon!
5. For Summer Running Start forms, see the Summer Running Start section above.

• Each quarter, Running Start students will be responsible to pay tuition costs above their approved number of college-level credits, tuition costs for any courses below college-level (below 100-level), and/or course fees, and associated student fees. This must be paid by the tuition due date or students’ risk being dropped from their courses, Check Here for Dates and Deadlines!
• Save your Spot! Pay tuition through the ctcLink Student Home page, in person, or by phone at the Business Office, 1400 bldg, (509) 793-2018, businessoffice@bigbend.edu.
• Students can also set up a STEPP Payment Plan if needed. Stop by the Business Office or call (509) 793-2018 to get started.