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.
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.
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.
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.
Students interested in taking PSEO courses are to meet with Mrs. Tackmann or Mrs. Lehmkuhl to review eligibility requirements, graduation planning, and the dedication needed to take PSEO courses.
This includes:
Check eligibility for PSEO courses. Academic guidelines require a certain GPA. Some colleges/universities may have additional requirements that can be found on their school website.
Review credit check and graduation plan to make sure the student is on track and has room in their schedule for PSEO courses.
Apply to the college of your choice. Use the online application.
Have a counselor send your transcript and complete the counselor portion of the MDE Notice of Registration form. Students under the age of 18 must have a parent's signature.
Each college/university sets its admittance requirements. Students must meet the minimum guidelines in order to register for PSEO courses.
Meet with a counselor to go over course planning and registration. If a student would like to take a college course in place of a VHS course, the course syllabus or outline must be approved by administration.
Taking college courses is not something to be taken lightly and is not a good fit for every student. Take into consideration the following when deciding to take PSEO courses:
Provides an opportunity to coursework not offered at VHS.
Provides an opportunity to explore areas of interest.
Provides an opportunity to gain college credits while in high school.
Students must be organized and on top of their coursework.
PSEO courses are rigorous and require extra time and dedication.
Verndale teachers and staff do not have access to course progress and grades throughout the semester. Students are required to hold themselves accountable for their education.
Students must still meet all graduation requirements set by Verndale High School. Will doing PSEO allow this to happen?
Ensure that the credits you are taking will transfer to the next college or university of your choosing.
Even though PSEO students are allowed to participate in all extracurricular activities at the high school, course schedules may conflict. If taking courses at the college, students may miss some of the leadership and extracurricular activities at the high school.
PSEO courses follow the college schedule, not the high school schedule. They start before high school courses start and may have different holiday breaks.
Take into consideration if you’re ready to take college classes and be treated like an adult. PSEO courses require you to work independently, interact with new students, and be responsible for the completion of your coursework.
How many high school credits will be awarded for a college course?
PSEO students get high school credit for all college courses they pass.
5 credits = 3.50 VHS
4 credits = 3.00 VHS
3 credits = 2.0 VHS
2 credits = 1.50 VHS
1 credit = 1.0 VHS
Will PSEO credits automatically transfer to any post-secondary institution?
No. Transfer of credits is determined by each post-secondary institution. It’s important to work with your academic advisor before registering for a course to ensure it will transfer to your next college. You can also use the website https://www.transferology.com/index.htm to double-check transfer credits. Upon graduating from high school, students will have to send an official transcript of all PSEO courses to the college of their choosing.
How many classes can a student take?
Eligible students may enroll in any number of high school courses as long as they drop one course during the school day. Students may take as many college courses as the college allows, following their credit limits. Students may take a combination of high school and college courses.
If I take a PSEO course online can I stay at the high school to complete the class?
Yes. PSEO online students can use the media center to work on courses.
What happens if a student withdraws from a post-secondary course?
Students need to follow the set procedures and guidelines for withdrawing from a course. Deadlines are usually within the first week of a course. If a student doesn't follow these guidelines it will result in a “W” or “WF” on their transcript.
What if a student fails a class?
If a class is required for high school graduation the student must retake the course before receiving their high school diploma. In addition, the student’s permanent high school and college transcripts will record the failing grade.