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PSEO

 

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows Columbia Heights High School sophomores, juniors and seniors to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions (see link above). Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Juniors and Seniors may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; Sophomores may take one career/technical PSEO course. If they earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional PSEO courses.

 

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. Schools must provide information to all students in grades 8 through 11 and their families by March 1, every year. Students must notify their school by May 30 if they want to participate in PSEO for the following school year. For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education website.*

The PSEO program was created in 1985 as a means to "promote rigorous educational pursuits and provide a wider variety of options for students." Through PSEO, our students can receive both high school and college/university credit for college or university courses that are completed. PSEO courses offered in high school are commonly called concurrent enrollment courses.

Additional Information

To increase the likelihood of student success, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) has set the following standards for admission to PSEO:

  • Seniors must score at or above the 50th percentile of your graduating class GPA.
     
  • Juniors must score at or above the 70th percentile of your graduating class GPA. 
     
  • Sophomores can enroll in a career or technical education course at a MnSCU college or university by  meeting the 8th grade standards on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA) in Reading and meet other course prerequisites or course enrollment standards established by the college. These standards include, but are not limited to, assessment test scores, program admission or other requirements.
     
    • If a sophomore receives a grade of C or better in the course, the student shall be allowed to take additional career or technical education courses in subsequent terms.
       
    • A student who first enrolls under this provision while in 10th grade and wishes to enroll in general education courses as an 11th or 12th grade student must take the system Assessment for Course Placement and achieve the required scores prior to enrollment.
       
    • Campuses may require eligible 10th-grade PSEO students who wish to enroll in a career and technical course to meet with a college counselor or advisor.
       
  • Colleges and universities may admit students based on other documentation of ability to perform college-level work.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Education website or meet with a Columbia Heights High School dean.

*Information provided by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Office of Teaching and Learning
763-528-4514
1440 49th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421

Benefits

  • Greater variety of course offerings.

  • Opportunity to pursue challenging coursework.

  • Tuition, fees and textbooks are no cost to students (except "test out" fees).

PSEO is for you if you...

  • Have been successful in AP courses at Columbia Heights High School.

  • Have reliable transportation to a college or university.

  • Are interested in getting ahead with your college courses and are willing to take some of your high school day to do so.

  • Cannot take a full load of high school classes and be in PSEO at the same time.

  • Are in the top 30 percent of your class as a sophomore and/or junior as measured by your GPA.

Your Responsibilities

  • It is your responsibility to contact the college or university you would like to attend to find out about PSEO options and the application/ enrollment process at that institution. You must be eligible and enrolled as a student at that institution to take  PSEO courses.

  • Be sure the courses you take in a PSEO program will transfer and apply to your anticipated degree program for college.

  • Tenth and eleventh-graders interested in PSEO, make sure you meet with your Dean of Students by Feb. 15 for the upcoming fall. Work with your Dean to make sure the PSEO courses you plan to take will fulfill Columbia Heights High School graduation requirements.