Running Start students may have to pay tuition

Published 12:01 am Thursday, May 5, 2011

OLYMPIA — Washington state lawmakers are pushing a plan to get high school students who enroll in college courses to pay some tuition.

A proposal suddenly brought up and passed by the Senate on Wednesday allows higher education institutions to charge Running Start students up to 10 percent o

f tuition. The program is currently free, although students typically pay fees. Low-income students could qualify for a tuition waiver under the bill.

Supporters say the move is a small but necessary piece of balancing the state budget. Democratic Sen. Jim Hargrove of Hoquiam says Running Start would still be a great deal for getting college credit.

No senators spoke in opposition of the bill, although seven voted against it.