What Is PSEO?

There are two types of Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) Programs, each with distinct rules for admission and course eligibility:

1.  PSEO General Education for Juniors and Seniors completing general education courses

2.  PSEO Career & Technical Education (CTE) program for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

These are the colleges and universities that most South PSEO students select:

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level courses. With traditional PSEO, these courses are generally offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Postsecondary institutions are not allowed to charge PSEO students for tuition, textbooks or support services. Students may be charged for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed.

Most PSEO courses are only open to high school students during their  10th, 11th- and 12th-grade year, with most participating colleges and universities setting their own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses and programs. Students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis, beginning in their 11th-grade year of high school.

Many two- and four-year colleges and universities in Minnesota offer online courses and some of them offer online degrees and certificates. Through the wide array of online courses offered in Minnesota higher education, it is possible for PSEO students in our state to complete the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum requirements and/or other courses that could result in an award in addition to their high school diploma.

By March 1 of each year, a district must provide up-to-date information on the district's website, and in materials that are distributed to parents and students, about the program--including information about enrollment requirements and the ability to earn postsecondary credit--to all pupils in grades 8, 9, 10, and 11.

Students must meet the PSEO eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits outlined in the Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Reference Guide. However, if a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may still continue to participate in PSEO.

PSEO for 10th Graders:  Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses
Legislation allows eligible 10th-grade students to enroll initially in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course through PSEO. If the student earns a “C” or higher grade in this first course, she/he is eligible to take additional CTE courses while in 10th grade. In order to be eligible, a 10th-grade student must have met the proficiency level of “meets or exceeds” on the 8th-grade MCA reading test. If the student did not take the MCA, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted.

The Minnesota Department of Education has developed a new Policy entitled: Minnesota Department of Education Alternative Eligibility Options Policy for 10th Grade Students with a Disability who Wish to Participate in Career and Technical Education Classes through the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program.  The Policy and written procedures are effective December 8, 2015. The Policy, Procedures, and the Model Modification Request Form can be found below.

How to Enroll in PSEO

Interested and eligible 11th- and 12th-grade students should contact the postsecondary institution to find out their eligibility requirements, which courses are offered and what the application process is at that institution. Access the list of Participating Postsecondary Institutions  for a list of schools and their contact information. Interested and eligible public 10th-grade students should contact the postsecondary institution to find out which Career and Technical (CTE) courses are offered and what the application process is at that institution.
Interested students must complete the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Program Registration Form 2016-17.

Transportation Reimbursement for Qualified Students
Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students whose families are at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government, to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. View the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions. If you have any questions regarding the mileage reimbursement for low-income students' participation in the PSEO program, contact Julie Belisle at 651-582-8265.

DETAILED INFORMATION ON PSEO POLICIES AND COURSES