Postsecondary Enrollment Options

The Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program allows students to enroll in courses at a college or university and earn both high school and college credit for free. Students attend class with college students, either on campus or online. All courses are taught and graded by college faculty.

Here are a few advantages to PSEO:

The course work is college-level. You may do better in college classes later because you'll know what to expect.

You take college-level courses on a college campus - or online. You are taught by a college professor and interact with college students. If you don't feel challenged by your high school classes, you'll have the chance to explore more subjects and more advanced work.

Students will earn both high school and college credit by passing the course. This can save you time and money when you actually get to college.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate?

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows public and nonpublic students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades to earn college credit while still in high school. Public school sophomores must receive a passing score on the MCA reading test to be eligible to participate. All students must meet the admissions standards of the postsecondary institution they would like to attend, and meet any prerequisites required for the course. Check with your school counselor to verify your eligibility and make sure the courses you take meet graduation requirements at your high school. Dual Credit Comparison Chart for more information.

How do I earn college credit?

You earn college credit based on your academic performance in the course, the same as you would with any high school or college course. Make sure that you keep in good communication with your professor so that you always understand how you are doing or what you can do to improve in the course.

Do all colleges and universities accept these credits?

Many colleges and universities in Minnesota accept credits earned through PSEO, and in fact treat these credits like they would if you were a college transfer student. There are situations in which colleges and universities may not award credit for participating in PSEO. Even if you pass the class, it can depend on what course you take and how it fits into your intended major. It is always best to check with the college first to make sure you are taking a course that will help you save time and money on college.

To see what schools accept PSEO and concurrent enrollment credit, see the embedded Tableau table here.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to the student to enroll in PSEO courses. Students may be charged for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, or books that are not returned to the postsecondary institution in a timely manner. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students who demonstrate financial need.