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

About PSEO

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10^th-, 11^th- and 12^th-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 12^th-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 8^th grade MCA. If a 10^th-grade student did not take the MCA in 8^th 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 10^th-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 10^th 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.

Benefits of the Program

PSEO courses are a great way for high school students to challenge themselves academically, earn college credit, and save time and money. Many Minnesota colleges accept credit transfers of these courses in the same manner they would accept credits from another college. Students should check that the college they plan to attend after high school will apply these credits toward their chosen college degree. Participation in college-level courses is helpful determining factor for college admissions after high school.

Choosing to Participate

The decision to participate in PSEO is an important one, and students should start planning early. The student will be expected to be a responsible, self-starting independent learner. Students and parents should seek out additional information and counseling at the high school and at the postsecondary institution to ensure that they are making the best choice for themselves and their educational future.

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?

Other Ways to Earn College Credit in High School

If the PSEO program is not the right fit for you, ask your high school counselor if there are other options in your high school to earn college credit and/or enroll in rigorous high school courses with the potential to earn college credit by exam.

 

Updated October 2025