Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a dual credit program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn high school and college credit tuition free, through enrollment in and successful completion of college courses taught by college instructors. With traditional PSEO, these courses are generally offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college and university setting their own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses and programs. Eleventh and 12th grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09.
High school students may attend PSEO courses either part-time or full-time during the fall and spring academic school year; the PSEO program is not available during the summer, unless the student is enrolled in a State-Approved Alternative Program (SAAP). Tuition, fees and textbooks related to the course are provided at no cost to the student.
Students enrolled in PSEO courses are responsible for providing their high school with a copy of their grades in PSEO courses – this may include mid-term or non-final grades earned during the academic term (subdivision 12).
For more information about PSEO, visit the PSEO Program Page for Students and Families. If you have specific questions about the PSEO Program, contact mde.postsecondary@state.mn.us.
PSEO for10th-Graders to take Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses
Eligible 10th grade public school students may enroll in one state-paid Career Technical Education (CTE) course during the first term of PSEO enrollment. Not all institutions offer PSEO to 10th grade students or have CTE courses. Visit our PSEO for 10th Graders (CTE Pathway) page to learn about student and course requirements for the 10th Grade CTE Pathway. Please contact each institution for specific course questions.
For a list of campuses offering PSEO to 10th grade students, including eligible CTE courses, access the Participating Postsecondary Institutions List.
How to Enroll in PSEO
Talk to the high school counselor prior to applying for PSEO schools.
Students MUST consult with the high school counselor about their interest in postsecondary courses and which requirements are still needed for graduation. Counselors will conduct a parent/guardian/student meeting prior to registering for any PSEO schools in order to help student/parent/guardian(s) come up with a plan.
PSEO law requires public students notify their district of their intent to enroll in PSEO courses during the following school year by May 30 (for fall enrollment) and October 30 (for spring enrollment).
Be aware of postsecondary admissions requirements and deadlines.
It is the postsecondary institution that determines admissions requirements into their postsecondary courses – not the high school. Postsecondary institutions also set their own application deadlines and timelines for admission. For example, fall semester application deadlines range from April-June the previous academic year, while spring semester application deadlines range from October-December.
Many postsecondary institutions create admissions guidelines for PSEO students based on class rank, GPA and/or specific score minimum on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced test (like the ACT, PSAT or SAT).
Most schools allow an appellate process for students who do not meet those criteria; in general, students must provide documentation or proof of their readiness and ability to perform college-level work, as determined by the postsecondary institution. In addition to program admissions requirements, students need to meet the college course prerequisites.
Discuss and determine transportation options.
Districts are not obligated to provide transportation for PSEO students between the high school and the postsecondary institution. However, funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students whose families are at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government, to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information, contact pupiltransportation.mde@state.mn.us.
Decide where to enroll – and which courses to take.
There is no list of available PSEO courses available across the state. Students should locate the list of PSEO courses offered by the postsecondary institution where they would like to enroll. Refer to the list of PSEO Participating Institutions approved to offer PSEO in Minnesota; most of these institutions have their own PSEO webpage and contact information for PSEO coordinators on the college campus. These contacts can help families navigate the admissions process, find or explain classes and schedules, and provide general information. Many colleges offer PSEO orientation nights or informational sessions. Participation in PSEO is based on space availability in the desired course.
Participating Institutions and Course Offerings
Postsecondary institutions must be located in Minnesota and approved by the Minnesota Department of Education to offer PSEO as defined by the PSEO statute. Each participating college and university sets their own requirements and deadlines for enrollment into PSEO courses and programs. Students may enroll in more than one institution during the same term.
Visit the Eligible Institutions and Courses page to find out more about Minnesota campuses offering PSEO and what kinds of courses are PSEO-eligible by state statute and MDE policy.
By statute definition, postsecondary institutions must be located in Minnesota and approved by MDE to offer PSEO.
Tuition and Fees
There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed or for textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies.
FAQs:
Can I participate in high school activities while taking PSEO courses?
Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.
When do I have to provide my Notification of Intent to Enroll in PSEO?
PSEO law requires public students notify their district of their intent to enroll in PSEO courses during the following school year by May 30 (for fall enrollment) and October 30 (for spring enrollment).
For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.
For additional information, please feel free to reach out to the High School Counselor Mrs. Holm.
