What is the PSEO Program?
The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program enables Minnesota high school juniors and seniors to take college classes for high school or college credit.
The purpose of the program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and provide a wider variety of options than may be available at your high school.
You may attend either part-time or full-time. Tuition, fees and textbooks are provided at no cost. Please remember that you cannot exceed full-time enrollment between your college and high school classes.
What Should Applicants Consider
- High School Graduation Requirements: Meet with your high school guidance counselor and review the credits you need to graduate.
- Academic Ability: Are you ready for college level course work?
- Maturity: Are you mature, responsible and self-disciplined enough to be successful in a college setting?
- Scheduling & Transportation: Will you be able to manage schedules at two locations?
- Graduation: Enrollment in the wrong PSEO classes could result in your not graduating with your class.
- Financial: Although PSEO program covers the cost of tuition and textbooks, you may need to purchase other equipment (i.e., tools, calculators and computers).
Eligibility
High school juniors and seniors must meet the following criteria:
- Class Rank
- High school Juniors must rank in the top one-third (66th percentile) of your graduating class;
- High school Seniors must rank in the top one-half (50th percentile) of your graduating class.
Class Rank Exceptions: For the following programs, students do not need to meet the Class Rank Criteria listed above, but must meet program entrance requirements listed on the Program Guide Sheets.
- Auto Body Repair Diploma Program
- Cabinetmaking Diploma Program
- CNC Toolmaking Diploma Program
- Cosmetology Diploma Program
- Machine Operator Certificate Program
- Nail Care Technician Certificate Program
- Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide Program
- Welding Diploma and Certificate Programs
- Grade Point Average (GPA):
Minimum 2.0 high school grade point average (GPA); and
- Saint Paul College Assessment
Assessment results must meet course and program entrance requirements.
If you are a high school freshman or sophomore in the Saint Paul Public Schools, you are not eligible for PSEO. Here are alternatives for which you might be eligible within Saint Paul Public Schools:
Alternative and Home School Students:
All home school students and those students attending an alternative and/or Charter school that is unable to verify class rank must provide ALL of the following:
- Juniors: A nationally standardized norm-referenced test (e.g. ACT, SAT, PSAT) with a score at or above the 70th percentile
- Seniors: A nationally standardized norm-referenced test (e.g. ACT, SAT, PSAT) with a score at or above the 50th percentile
- Records of Academic Achievement as well as a GPA of 2.0 or greater
- Saint Paul College assessment results must meet program entrance requirements and the requirements for the course you wish to take.
Admission Process
PSEO applicants must complete all steps of this process.
Application Deadlines:
Fall - July 1st
Spring - December 1st
- Complete the Saint Paul College application online at www.saintpaul.edu/apply.
- Submit the following materials to the Saint Paul College Admissions Office of Enrollment Services by the application deadline:
- Complete the College's assessment by the official PSEO application deadline.
- The College's assessment provides you with a profile of your current skills in mathematics, reading, and writing, as well as recommendations for initial course placement. The assessment is used to determine course placement.
- Assessment results must meet specific program entrance requirements.
- Speak to the PSEO coordinator by the PSEO application deadline. You can call 651.403.4417 or send an e-mail to Clint Bueling to schedule an appointment. You are always welcome to call the PSEO office with any questions or to set up an informational meeting.
Speak with your high school counselor regarding any questions about meeting graduation requirements for your high school while attending PSEO. It is also important that you and your high school counselor verify that between your coursework at the high school and college you do not go over full time enrollment.
Course Availability
PSEO students register for courses on a space-available basis. Regular post-secondary students have priority in registration.
What is covered by PSEO?
- Tuition and fees
- Course required textbooks
When you pick up your books, you will also receive a notice stating the deadline for returning your books. If your books are not returned by the deadline, you will be billed for the cost of your books.
Orientation Sessions
Orientation sessions are held on campus and last about 2½ hours. Orientation is essential and required for all enrolled students.
You will receive an invitation to attend a New Student Orientation session as soon as you have been admitted to the College. If you cannot attend the New Student Orientation, please contact the PSEO Coordinator at Saint Paul College.
At orientation, you will:
- Register for classes.
- Learn about important policies and procedures.
- Familiarize yourself with the campus and available student services.
- Meet other new students.
Questions and contact information
If you have questions about PSEO program details and/or eligibility, check out the Frequently Asked Questions section of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities PSEO Web site.
For more information about the PSEO program, please contact the PSEO Coordinator, Clint Bueling, at 651.403.4417 or send an e-mail to Clint Bueling.