Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th, 11th and 12th grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating post secondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the post secondary institution; some courses are offered online. 

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Students must notify their school by May 30 if they want to participate in PSEO for the following school year. For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.

1. Complete the PSEO Contract (<-- click on the link to print, or visit the Green or Blue House Office for a copy). IMPORTANT: Completing this contract does NOT mean you have applied to a PSEO program. You must follow the steps below to apply to a PSEO program.

2. Complete the 2025-26 Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) Notice of Student Registration Form (click on the link to print, or ask your counselor for a copy). Note: Counselors cannot assist with the MDE form until they receive your signed PSEO Contract. Once completed, you will send this form to your PSEO college.

3. Determine which PSEO institution you will apply to and follow the application instructions. Remember that each institution has a different application process and paperwork. Read their instructions carefully. We have a listed a few PSEO college websites for you below:

   1. 1. 1. 1. • Normandale Community College

               • University of Minnesota Twin Cities

               • Crown College

               • University of Northwestern-St. Paul

               • Hennepin Technical College

               • Full list of participating institutions

4. Schedule an appointment with your counselor to determine which classes are needed to meet district graduation requirements. Please note that counselors are not available during the summer.

5. Once you have registered for PSEO classes, work with your counselor to adjust your CHS schedule.

Students who take PSEO classes are bound by the state rules for credits.  Currently, there is no minimum or maximum number of PSEO credits required by the Minnesota Department of Education. However, we recommend that students create a PSEO schedule that is typical of a full time high school student. At Chaska High School, full time students earn 3.0 credits per semester (6 classes at 0.5 credits each). 

Know that 1 PSEO college credit is translated to 0.25 high school credit. Please see the chart below for further information.

If I am a PSEO student, can I still take classes at Chaska High School?

Yes! There are two types of PSEO students: full-time and part-time. If you are full-time PSEO you will be taking all of your courses at your postsecondary institution. If you are part-time PSEO you will take some classes at CHS and some at your postsecondary institution. 

How do I know if I am taking enough PSEO courses?

Remember, we recommend that students create a PSEO schedule that is typical of a full time high school student. If you are full time PSEO, try to take as many PSEO credits that would be close to or the equivalent of 3.0 Chaska High School Credits. If you are part-time PSEO, take your Chaska classes (0.5 each) and add them up. Then divide the number of credits at PSEO by 4 and add that number to the Chaska number. Try to get as close to 3.0 as possible. That way you will be taking close to or the equivalent of a full load.

Will my PSEO coursework transfer to other colleges and universities?

All course grades under the PSEO program appear on a sponsoring college or university transcript. Courses that are part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum are widely transferable among state colleges and universities for general education credit. Receiving institutions determine how coursework counts toward completion of the student’s degree. If you are interested in transferring to another institution, work with a college or university advisor to assist in transfer of courses to your planned receiving institution.

How much does PSEO cost?

Under the PSEO program, tuition, fees and books are paid for students who are also earning high school credit. Consumable supplies specifically required for a class, such as art supplies and film, also are paid. The program does not cover general school supplies, such as notebooks, pens, pencils or non consumable supplies, such as calculators, instrument rental or uniforms. The cost of on-campus housing is not covered by the program.

Can I take PSEO courses online?

Yes, PSEO allows eligible students to take online college or university courses. Contact the admissions office of your PSEO college of choice to find out if their PSEO program offers online courses.

What happens if I don’t pass a PSEO course?

That is a risk for students in the PSEO program. If a class required for high school graduation is not successfully completed, the student might not be able to graduate with his or her high school class. In addition, a grade will be recorded on a permanent college or university transcript.

Can I earn up to an associate degree or an occupational diploma as I graduate from high school?

Yes, students have been able to earn up to an occupational diploma or associate degree as they dually complete requirements for their high school diploma and their college credential. Students should work with a college or university advisor to assure they are taking courses that will count for dual purposes. Students should also work with their high school counselor to assure they are on track for high school graduation.

If I choose to participate in PSEO, can I still participate in my high school sports and extra-curricular activities?

Yes. According to Minnesota Statute 124.09D, participating in a PSEO course cannot, by itself, prohibit a student from participating in high school extra-curricular activities.