PSEO

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

Is an opportunity for Minnesota resident high school students in grades 10, 11 or 12, to earn dual credit for both high school and college. Most commonly, PSEO courses are delivered by the postsecondary institution (PSI) online or in person on campus. Payment of PSEO course tuition and required items, in most cases, comes directly from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to the PSI. MDE does not pay for any materials/equipment a student owns once the course has ended. Eligible PSIs choose which courses are PSEO eligible as well as setting college enrollment requirements. Students, PSIs and courses must fulfill the eligibility requirements as referenced in the PSEO Statute, Minnesota Statutes 2021, section 124D.09, See the PSEO Reference Guide for a comprehensive overview of PSEO. 

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What Makes PSEO Unique?

PSEO is distinct from other rigorous course options like Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Concurrent Enrollment because it operates entirely within the college system. 

• Students are enrolled as both high school and college students, attend classes taught by college faculty, and are expected to meet college-level standards. 

• They must apply for admission to the college or university, follow campus policies, and manage communication independently—without automatic updates to families or schools due to federal privacy laws. 

At the same time, PSEO participants retain certain rights and supports under Minnesota law that protect access to high school services and ensure fair treatment. These dual responsibilities—and protections—make the experience more complex than other options and require careful planning and communication between the student, high school, and college. Use the resources and information below to help decide whether PSEO is a good fit for your goals, strengths, and support system.

Is PSEO Right For You?

Before enrolling in PSEO, students and families should consider whether PSEO participation aligns with their goals, strengths, and support systems. These characteristics often indicate a good fit for college coursework:

• Academic Readiness. Students are prepared for faster-paced, college-level coursework and are confident in their ability to meet higher expectations.

• Graduation Planning. Students work closely with their high school counselor to ensure that selected courses meet graduation requirements and provide information to schools about progress or withdrawal.

• Independence and Responsibility. Students must be self-motivated, comfortable advocating for themselves and navigating college systems.

• Logistics and Transportation. Managing schedules across two institutions may require reliable transportation and strong time management skills. 

• Exploration and Opportunity. PSEO may appeal to students interested in broader academic options, career exploration, or a different environment than their current high school. Early exposure to college culture and expectations can help inform students goals and future decisions.

Potential Risks and Consequences of PSEO Enrollment:

While PSEO can be rewarding, it’s important to understand the potential challenges that students may encounter without adequate preparation or support.

• Permanent Academic Record. Grades earned in PSEO appear on both the student’s official college and high school transcripts and included in the high school grade point average (GPA). These grades may affect class rank, college admissions and scholarship eligibility. College courses taken through PSEO cannot be retaken for a higher grade.

• Delayed Graduation. Failing or withdrawing from a required course can put high school graduation at risk.

• College Expectations. College instructors apply the same academic standards to all students, regardless of age or enrollment status. Due to privacy laws, colleges communicate only with students, so parents aren’t informed directly, and schools may not receive grades until the course is over.

• Reduced High School Involvement. Attending classes off campus may make it harder to stay involved in high school activities, connect with peers, or access school-based services. However, schools must still allow PSEO students to access the school building, receive counseling and participate in extracurriculars.

• Scheduling Conflicts. Differences in academic calendars and class times can make it challenging to coordinate commitments across schools. Students are not allowed to miss their MSA course to attend a PSEO course. 

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