PSEO

What is PSEO?

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 nonsectarian courses at any eligible postsecondary institution in Minnesota. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. To assist the district in planning, a student must inform the district/charter school by May 30 (for fall term enrollment) or October 30 (for spring term enrollment) of their intent to enroll in postsecondary courses. The district/charter school must provide counseling services to students and their parents or guardian before the student enrolls in courses to ensure that the students and their parents or guardian are fully aware of the risks and possible consequences of enrolling in postsecondary courses.

Student Eligibility

Eleventh and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis. Each participating college or university sets its own admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses.

Tenth-grade students are eligible to enroll in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course if they receive a reading proficiency score of “meets” or “exceeds” on the 8th grade MCA. If a 10th-grade student did not take the MCA in 8th grade, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted. For students with disabilities, there is an alternative option to demonstrate reading proficiency. A 10th-grade student who enrolls in one CTE course and earns at least a grade C in the first term of enrollment, may take additional postsecondary courses in the subsequent term, not limited to CTE. Access the list of postsecondary institutions offering approved CTE courses to 10th grade students.

If the district/charter school determines a student is academically not on track to graduate, the student may continue to participate in PSEO on a term-by-term basis beyond their cohort graduation date.

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, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 or October 30 and the district does not waive the date requirement.

Funding is available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information on these funds, access the PSEO Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions.

Other Helpful Information for Public School Students

Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.

High schools are required to provide access to space and technology during the core school day -- if needed -- for a student to participate in PSEO, but may not require students to attend the high school during online PSEO courses or remain in the high school for a specific amount of time. Students are expected to follow safety guidelines and school policy for leaving and entering the school building.

PSEO students must provide the school with a copy of their grades in each PSEO course.

Districts must transcript high school credits earned through PSEO by a ratio prescribed in statute. Districts have the authority to decide which subject area and standards the PSEO course meets. If there is a dispute between the district and the student regarding the number of credits granted for a particular course, the student may appeal the board's decision to the commissioner. The commissioner's decision regarding the number of credits will be final. Grade weighting policies for PSEO courses vary by district/charter school.

Postsecondary institutions are required to allow PSEO students to enroll in online courses consistent with the institution’s policy regarding postsecondary student enrollment in online courses.

For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.

Which colleges offer PSEO?

State Universities, community colleges, the University of Minnesota system as well as technical colleges offer PSEO.  Click here for the full list of institutions that offer PSEO.    Some of the PSEO colleges that are popular among MSA student's include Century College,  University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Concordia University, St. Paul and the University of Northwestern, St. Paul.  You can also take PSEO classes at multiple colleges at the same time. 

What is considered part-time and full-time PSEO?

Students have the option to patriciate as either a part-time or full-time PSEO student.  A student is considered part-time PSEO anytime they are taking one or more classes at MSA.  A student is considered full-time PSEO when they are taking all of their classes through a PSEO program and are not taking any classes at MSA.  Part-time PSEO students will typically take anywhere from 2-9 credits at the PSEO college.  Full-time PSEO students will typically take between 12-18 credits at the PSEO college.  

How will my PSEO classes transfer to college?

All courses and grades received through PSEO will appear on your MSA transcript.  You will also receive a transcript from the college you are attending through PSEO.  Courses that are a part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum are widely transferable among both state colleges and universities within Minnesota.  However, accepting transfer credits is always a decision made by the individual institution.  Transferology is a great tool. It is a nation-wide network designed to help students explore how their college classes will transfer to other initiations.  

Will PSEO classes count on my high school transcript?

Each semester long PSEO class is equivalent to 1.00 credit. PSEO grades, credits, and courses will be added to your high school transcript and calculated into your GPA.  F, FW and W grade marks will also be indicated on your high school transcript. 

Are PSEO classes online or in-person?

The majority of PSEO classes are offered in person however, many colleges are continuing to offer more online class options.  Please consider how you learn best as a student.  While online classes can be a convenient option, they can be more challenging for students who learn best by in-person classroom instruction.  Online courses can be a great option if you have limited transportation or if you are looking to work around classes that you plan to take at MSA.