College Options for High School Students
Minnesota offers high school students several ways to earn college credit while still in high school.
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
Students can get a jump start on earning college credits by taking college courses while they are in still in high school through Minnesota's PSEO program. This program allows students to take college courses tuition free, saving both time and money on completing a college degree. PSEO courses may also fulfill high school course requirements and count toward a high school diploma.
Career and Technical Course Options
Students who are interested in career and technical courses may take one career and technical college level course taught by a college faculty member on a college campus, at their high school or online as early as grade 10.
General Education Course Options
The PSEO program also allows high school students to take college courses on a college or university campus, at their high school or online taught by college or university faculty members.
Concurrent Enrollment
Many high schools offer PSEO courses through concurrent enrollment, allowing students to take college courses taught by highly qualified high school teachers without having to leave the high school. Under certain circumstances, students in 9th or 10th grade may also be allowed to take concurrent enrollment courses.
If you are interested in PSEO or concurrent enrollment, talk to your high school guidance counselor and college/ university admissions staff or find eligibility requirements and other information at www.minnstate.edu/admissions/pseo. Most colleges and universities have deadlines for applications for PSEO enrollment. In addition, local school districts need to be notified by May 1st for fall semester starts. Check with your district and college or university for their specific deadline dates.
AP and IB Options
Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses are offered at many high schools and provide a rigorous curriculum that prepares students to take college level courses. Students who achieve a 3 or higher on an Advanced Placement test can have that score evaluated by a college or university for a college credit. Students who attain an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma shall be granted six (6) lower division course credits for scores of 4 or higher on each Higher Level IB examinations and two (2) lower division course credits for scores of 4 or higher on each Standard Level IB examination will be awarded college credit at any college or university of Minnesota State.
