Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO): The PSEO program is a dual credit program that allows high school students to simultaneously earn high school and college credit through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level courses on a college campus or online. Students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis. The PSEO program provides students with a greater variety of class offerings as well as the opportunity to pursue more challenging coursework than may be available at the high school. The tuition, fees and required textbooks are at no cost to students.
PSEO Guidance for Students and Parents
PSEO courses are a great way for high school students to challenge themselves academically, earn college credit, and save time and money. Students may attend PSEO courses either part-time or full-time during the fall and spring academic school year; the PSEO program is not available during the summer, unless the student is enrolled in a State-Approved Alternative Program (SAAP). Tuition, fees and textbooks related to the course are provided at no cost to the student. These courses are taught by college instructors on the college campus or online.
Many Minnesota colleges accept credit transfers of these courses in the same manner they would accept credits from another college; some do not. Students should check that the college they plan to attend after high school will apply these credits toward their chosen college degree.
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 counselor and review the courses needed to graduate. Enrollment in an incorrect PSEO class could result in delayed high school graduation, so careful planning and communication with the high school is very important. The high school should allow students flexibility in choosing generally comparable courses to meet requirements.
- Academic Ability: Is the student ready for college-level course work?
- Maturity: Is the student mature, responsible and self-disciplined enough to be successful in a college setting?
- Scheduling and Transportation: Will the student be able to manage schedules at two locations and have the transportation means to get to each location?
Notice of Student Rights under FERPA
PSEO students are governed under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and have certain rights with respect to their education records.
LSC is not allowed, under the Federal law, to disclose any information about students without their written/signed request. What this means is that parents will not be able to request information from LSC about their students in regard to attendance, grades, course requirements, etc. unless the student authorizes via the Release of Information.
Students must submit a “Release of Information” to release any information to any party (other than the official high school designee.)
Eligibility: Nonpublic and Home School Students
10th-Graders (PSEO): A nonpublic or home school student classified as a 10th-grader who meets residency requirements outlined in the Residency Guidelines section. These students may enroll in the following during the first term of enrollment:
- One Career or Technical Education (CTE) course as identified by a Minnesota state college or university on the postsecondary campus when MDE makes payment directly to the postsecondary institution. One of the following must apply:
- The student must have received a passing score (proficiency level of “meets or exceeds”) on the 8th grade Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) in reading, or
- If the student did not take the 8th grade MCA, another reading assessment can be substituted if accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution. Note: Eligible students can access the Alternate Eligibility Options Policy, for 10th grade students with a disability who wish to participate in Career and Technical Education courses through the PSEO Program. Additionally, the student must also meet the specific course requirements and prerequisites of the CTE course in which he/she wishes to enroll. A student who is refused enrollment by a Minnesota state college or university may apply to an eligible institution offering a career or technical education course. If the student receives a grade of “C” or better in the first CTE course, the student is allowed to take additional postsecondary courses at the same institution in the subsequent semester.
11th- and 12th-Graders (PSEO): Any nonpublic or home school student classified as an 11th- or 12th-grader who meets residency requirements outlined in the Residency Guidelines section. These students, if accepted by a postsecondary institution, may enroll in nonsectarian courses or programs at that postsecondary institution. Each participating college and university sets its own requirements for admission into PSEO or courses and programs.
Nonpublic and home school 9th-grade students are not eligible to participate in PSEO, including CTE courses.
