PSEO

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college courses. With traditional PSEO, these courses are generally offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Postsecondary institutions are not allowed to charge PSEO students for tuition, textbooks or support services. Students may be charged for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed. Textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies. Most PSEO courses are only open to high school students during their 11th- and 12th-grade year, with each participating college and university setting their own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses and programs. Students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis. Students must meet the PSEO eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits outlined in the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act. 

Thinking of participating in PSEO?  If so, students and parents should consider the following:

• High School Graduation Requirements: Students should meet with their high school guidance counselor and review the courses needed to graduate. Enrollment in an incorrect PSEO class or failing a PSEO course could result in delayed high school graduation, so careful planning and communication with the high school is very important.

• Academic Ability: Is the student ready for college-level course work? It is important to remember that a student is generating a permanent college transcript. Courses and grades earned through PSEO cannot be expunged or re-taken for a higher grade.

• Maturity: Is the student mature, responsible and self-disciplined enough to be successful in a college setting? This includes navigating the campus and student learning system as well as time-management skills and self-advocacy. Postsecondary institutions do not communicate directly with parents. Most of the time, college instructors are unaware which students in their classes are current high school students.

• Scheduling and Transportation: Will the student be able to manage schedules at two locations and have the transportation means to get to each location?  If students are taking classes on a college campus, they are responsible for their own transportation.