Running Start

Get ahead on your college experience while in high school and ease the transition to future education and career opportunities! FVCC’s Running Start program provides eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to get an affordable start on their education by earning college credits while still in high school.

The first six credits are tuition FREE for Montana students, and subsequent courses are offered at 50% of in-district tuition costs.
To get started, check out the FVCC classes offered in your high school or attend an FVCC class on campus (courses numbered 100 and above are eligible for Running Start).

Apply to Running Start

Tuition & Fees

Academic Calendar 2024-25

Academic Courses 2024-25

Important Registration and Semester Dates

Spring 2025

Registration begins November 18, 2024

Category	Session C: Full Semester	Session A: 1st 8 weeks	Session B: 2nd 8 weeks
Session Dates	Jan 21-May 15	Jan 21-March 12	March 13-May 9
End of 100% refund and last day to drop without a “W” grade	Feb 10	Jan 28	March 20
Last day to withdraw from classes with a “W” grade or request/rescind an audit grade	April 16	Feb 28	April 28

Summer 2025

Registration begins March 3, 2025

Category	Session C: Full Semester	Session A: 1st 5 weeks	Session B: 2nd 5 weeks
Session Dates	May 27-July 31	May 27-June 27	June 30-July 31
End of 100% refund and last day to drop without a “W” grade	June 10	June 3	July 8
Last day to withdraw from classes with a “W” grade or request/rescind an audit grade	July 15	June 19	July 24

Fall 2025

Registration begins May 7, 2025

FAQ

When you complete a class with Running Start, FVCC generates a college transcript and you earn college credit. Talk with your high school counselor about earning high school credit. Dual enrollment (Running Start) means that a student is enrolled in high school and college at the same time. Concurrent enrollment courses are FVCC courses taught within the high schools—usually for dual credit (college and high school credit). FVCC is an accredited college, so credits transfer seamlessly to colleges and universities across the nation. If you plan to go out-of-state, the college you are applying for will determine which credits transfer. There is no limit on the number of courses you can take through Running Start but it is important to maintain a balance of classes with other obligations and avoid overloading yourself with too many classes. Yes. Homeschool students must provide their high school transcript. If registering for more than five credits in a single semester, proof of two MMR immunizations or a notarized religious exemption is required. Running Start students have access to all FVCC student services available on campus.

Meet The Team

Beth Romain

Program Director, Running Start

Shelley Eberhardy

Academic Coordinator

Email us with any questions or for more information.

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