• You will have to pay tuition if you take more classes than the high school says you can take, or if you take classes numbered 99 or below.
• For example, Math 99 is a popular class that is not covered by Running Start.
• The price is about $120 per credit. See Whatcom.edu/Tuition for current rates.
• Most classes at WCC are 5 credits each, for a price of about $600 for one class. See Whatcom.edu/Tuition for current rates.
• If you don’t go over your limit, and you only take classes numbered 100 or higher (such as English 101), you will not have to pay any tuition on top of your quarterly fees.

These quarterly fees are proposed and approved by the Associated Students of Whatcom Community College (ASWCC). All Whatcom Community College students must pay these fees.

• $6.32 per credit fee (up to 15 credits, or $94.80) for the Student Recreation Center loan repayment.
• $3.50 per credit technology fee (up to 10 credits, or $35) to support technology access for students.
• $2.50 per credit fee (up to 10 credits, or $25) to support educational services for students.
• All students pay these fees, even students who do not to access services on campus.

If you are living on a low income, or if your family is struggling financially, fill out the Fee Waiver Petition, and email it to rstart@whatcom.edu. To find out if you’re eligible for the fee waiver and additional ways to lower your Running Start program costs, scroll down to the ‘Possible Ways to Lower Your Running Start Costs’ section on this page.

• All students are responsible for obtaining their own textbooks and school supplies.
• Textbooks cost anywhere from $10 to $200 each, while some classes do not require books.
• Click here for tips on obtaining books.
• Most students will purchase their books from the WCC Bookstore. Click here for the WCC Bookstore.
• If you cannot afford the cost of your required textbooks, apply for loaner books by using the Book Loan Application. Please apply at least 2 weeks before you need the books.

• Art and Art-Graphics classes – $15-$25,
• Science lab classes – $20-$30,
• Nursing 100 – $75
• Dance – $25
• CIS – $15-$25
• PE 126 – $20
• Various other class. You will know if a class has fees because the fee will be listed on the class search page.

If you owe tuition, make sure you get the lowest possible rate by filling the Residency Form.

If you are living on a low income, or if your family is struggling financially, fill out the Fee Waiver Petition, and email it to rstart@whatcom.edu. This option can waive many, but not all the expenses owed to the college.

• Fee waivers are available to students who qualify for free or reduced meals at their high school.
• You can also qualify for a fee waiver if you receive state or federal benefits such as Basic Food or Apple Healthcare.

If you cannot afford the cost of your required textbooks, apply for loaner books by using the Book Loan Application.

• Required books can be viewed a month in advance on the WCC Campus Store website.
• Please apply at least 2 weeks before you need the books.

WCC Basic Needs Navigator

Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness

WCC Scholarships Page. Read carefully! Not all scholarships are available to Running Start Students.

Washington Education and Training Voucher.