Dual Credit | WSAC

Running Start

Running Start

Washington's Running Start program allows 11th and 12th grade students to take college courses at Washington’s community and technical colleges and at Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, and Northwest Indian College. Running Start courses are regular college courses offered on the college campus. Students pay no tuition. However, they do pay for transportation, books, and fees. WSAC administers the Dual Enrollment Scholarship Pilot Program and provides funding for low-income eligible students enrolled in dual credit programs.

College in the High School

College in the High School

College in the High School (CiHS) programs provide college academic courses to 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. Courses are taught at the high school, by high school teachers, with college curriculum, college textbooks, and oversight by college faculty and staff. Public high school students enrolled for CiHS college credit at eligible institutions of higher education, as defined in RCW 28B.10.016 and RCW 28B.10.063 are enrolled at no cost to the student.

Washington Reviewed College in the High School Programs2026-27 School Year

NACEP Accredited

• Central Washington University
• Centralia College
• Eastern Washington University
• Edmonds College
• Everett Community College
• Gonzaga University
• Lewis-Clark State College
• North Seattle College
• Skagit Valley College
• South Puget Sound Community College
• University of Washington Seattle

Washington Reviewed and Approved

• Bellevue College
• Big Bend Community College
• Cascadia College
• Lower Columbia College
• Northwest University
• Saint Martin's University
• Seattle University
• Walla Walla Community College
• Walla Walla University
• Wenatchee Valley Community College
• Western Washington University

Credit by Exam

Credit by Exam

Some programs award dual credit based on standardized exams. These programs include:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• Cambridge
• International Baccalaureate (IB)

In these programs, students take rigorous high school courses, taught by high school teachers, at the high school. Upon completion of the course, students may take a standardized exam. Depending on how they score, they may earn college credit. Colleges award varying levels of credit based on exam scores. Students do not pay tuition but do pay fees for the final standardized exams. Fee waivers may be available for lower-income students if funding is available.Students should reach out and talk with an admissions contact on any questions about course equivalencies and transfer. Follow the links below to determine which colleges grant credit for which exams and scores.

Dual Credit Equivalencies at Washington's Public Four-Year Colleges

• Central Washington University
• Eastern Washington University
• The Evergreen State College
• University of Washington - Bothell
• University of Washington - Seattle
• University of Washington - Tacoma
• Washington State University
• Western Washington University

Dual Credit Equivalencies at Washington's Two-Year Community and Technical Colleges

• AP Test Score Equivalencies at Washington's Community and Technical Colleges
• IB Equivalencies at Washington's Community and Technical Colleges
• CI Equivalencies at Washington's Community and Technical Colleges

CTE Dual Credit

CTE Dual Credit

Career and technical education (CTE) classes combine academics with technical skill development to prepare students for advanced education and professional careers. The CTE Dual Credit program helps students transition from high school into professional-technical programs. CTE Dual Credit is a joint effort between K-12 schools, community and technical colleges, and the business community. Courses are taught by high school teachers, at the high school. Students do not pay tuition.

More Dual Credit Programs

More Dual Credit Programs

Visit the program links below for information about other programs.

Bright Future Program

Seattle Vocational Institute (SVI) offers an award-winning dual-credit program for 11th and 12th graders called Bright Future. Students enroll in allied health, business computers, pre-apprenticeship construction, or Cosmetology at SVI. Bright Future combines workforce education programs with academic programs. In addition, it offers comprehensive case management, including academic and career advising. Students earn a high school diploma and a certificate of mastery from a community and technical college. They also gain work experience. Finally, the program helps graduates in their transition to work, further education, or both.

Career Link

Career Link is a high school completion program at South Seattle Community College for students ages 16 to 21 who no longer attend traditional high school. The program supports personal and academic growth, and helps transition to postsecondary education. Students may earn dual credit for high school completion and college credit. Youth who enroll in the program attend full time at no cost.

Gateways for Incarcerated Youth

The Evergreen State College faculty members lead seminars at juvenile correctional facilities for college credit, at no cost to youth. Evergreen students and volunteers serve as academic mentors and coaches in the Gateways for Incarcerated Youth program.

Gateway to College

Gateway to College assists students ages 16 to 21 who have dropped out of school or are in danger of dropping out. Eligible students may qualify for this program to accumulate high school and college credits at the same time. This allows students to earn a high school diploma while progressing toward a certificate or associate degree.

Technical College Direct Funded Enrollment Programs

The programs linked below allow students to earn high school and college credits at the same time, while progressing toward an associate degree or certificate. Students who enroll have access to most of the training programs and support services at any of the three participating colleges:

• Lake Washington Technical Academy at Lake Washington Institute of Technology (formerly Lake Washington Technical College)
• Northwest Career and Technical High School at Clover Park Technical College
• Technical High School at Bates Technical College