Move ahead in college while you’re in high school.
The Baker College RunningStart program lets high school students accelerate their academic and career ambitions. It provides four different ways to earn college credit in high school for free or at a low cost.
RunningStart is a smart move. This is your opportunity to:
- Save money. Students don’t have to pay tuition for college credits with RunningStart in most cases.
- Prepare well for college. By the time you graduate high school, you’ll already have tackled college-level learning.
- Stand out on college applications. Have evidence of your commitment to your studies and your future.
- Finish your college degree faster. Whether or not you decide to go to Baker College after high school, you can send your transcripts to the school of your choice to earn your degree faster.
Quick Links
RunningStart Resources
RunningStart Program Contacts
High School Students & Parents
Betsy Benson
(231) 876-3148
School Administrators & Staff
Randy Hill, Ed.D.
(231) 876-3153
Choose your path.
RunningStart includes four different programs, and each one provides you with valuable preparation for college and life beyond.
How it works
Who’s eligible
Cost
| Dual Enrollment | Early/Middle College | Concurrent Enrollment and Direct Credit | Articulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take high school courses at your high school and college courses at Baker College. Earn both high school and college credit. | Go through a three-year program starting in 11th grade. After you finish an extra high school year, you have both a high school degree and an associate degree (or similar college credit). | Take Baker College courses at your own high school or technical center. You can earn high school or college credit, or both. | Get Baker College credit for the skills you’ve gained in high school or a technical center CTE program. |
| High school students meeting Baker College’s required GPA or SAT scores in Math and English and their current school’s requirements, typically the MDE (minimum dual enrollment) qualifying scores. | High school juniors. | Students at select high schools and technical centers. | High school graduates with a B- or better in a listed class entering Baker College within 12 months of high school graduation. |
| Tuition is free, covered by your school district. You may need to buy books and supplies. | Free tuition. | Free tuition. Books paid for by your high school. | No cost. |
Visit the following pages for more detailed information on each program.
About RunningStart
at Baker College.
Baker College is the only four-year university in Michigan to have accreditation through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).
773
RunningStart students.
6,703
college credits earned.
$2.9m
saved in education costs.