What is PSEO? Your Complete Guide to Free College in High School
PSEO (Post-Secondary Enrollment Options) is Minnesota's program that allows high school students to take college courses for free. Learn how this program works, who can participate, and how to get started.
Key Takeaways
- PSEO lets Minnesota 10th-12th graders take college courses at no cost
- Students earn both high school AND college credits simultaneously
- Over 60 Minnesota colleges and universities participate
- Tuition, fees, and required textbooks are covered by the state
What is PSEO?
PSEO stands for Post-Secondary Enrollment Options, a Minnesota program established by state law that allows high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 to take college-level courses for free. The program has been helping Minnesota students get a head start on college since 1985.
Through PSEO, students can take courses at participating colleges and universities while still in high school. The credits earned count toward both high school graduation requirements and college degree requirements—essentially letting you complete two things at once.
Key Fact
How PSEO Works
The PSEO process involves coordination between you, your high school, and your chosen college. Here's how it works:
Choose Your Path
You can participate in PSEO full-time (all courses at college) or part-time (some courses at college, some at high school). Most students start part-time to ease the transition.
Notify Your School District
Submit a notification to your school district by May 30 for fall enrollment or October 30 for spring enrollment. This is required by Minnesota law for public school students.
Apply to a PSEO College
Apply to one or more participating colleges. You'll need to meet their admission requirements, which typically include minimum GPA requirements.
Complete the NOSR Form
The Notice of Student Registration (NOSR) form is required for PSEO enrollment. It needs signatures from you, your parent/guardian (if under 18), your high school counselor, and the college.
Register for Courses
Once admitted, work with the college's PSEO coordinator to register for courses. Choose courses that count toward both your high school graduation and future college degree.
Who Can Participate in PSEO?
PSEO is available to Minnesota high school students who meet the following criteria:
Grade Level
Students in grades 10, 11, or 12. 10th graders have limited options (CTE courses only).
Academic Standing
Must meet the college's admission requirements. GPA minimums vary by institution (typically 2.5-3.6).
School Type
Available to public school, private school, and homeschool students in Minnesota.
Pro Tip
Benefits of PSEO
Save Money on College
PSEO is completely free for students. The state pays tuition, fees, and required textbooks. Full-time PSEO students can potentially save $20,000+ on their college education.
Graduate Faster
Credits earned through PSEO count toward your college degree. Some students enter college as sophomores or juniors, graduating 1-2 years early.
Experience College Life
Get a taste of college academics, expectations, and environment before committing to a school. This experience helps you make better decisions about your future.
Costs & Financial Considerations
While PSEO is largely free, there are a few things to keep in mind:
What's Covered (FREE)
- • Tuition and fees
- • Required textbooks
- • Required course materials
What's NOT Covered
- • Transportation (reimbursement may be available for qualifying students)
- • Optional course materials
- • Courses you fail or withdraw from after deadlines
Important
Getting Started with PSEO
Ready to begin your PSEO journey? Here's what to do:
Check your eligibility
Use our eligibility checker to see which colleges you qualify for.
Research colleges
Explore participating institutions and find ones that match your interests.
Talk to your counselor
Discuss your plans with your high school counselor to ensure proper course selection.
Create your myPSEO account
Sign up to manage your NOSR forms and track your applications.
Ready to Start Your PSEO Journey?
Check your eligibility in under 2 minutes and discover which Minnesota colleges you can attend for free.