Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program for motivated high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to take classes at a college or university while in high school. In the PSEO program, high school students who meet qualifications will take classes on campus at a college or online. These classes will earn them dual credit at high school and college. This program covers the cost of tuition, fees, and books. There may be additional equipment fees depending on the classes a student takes.
Students currently enrolled in high school, who meet the Minnesota Residency Guidelines, meet the qualifications, and have at least one open class period can participate in PSEO. Please review the Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Reference Guide found on Minnesota Department of Education's website for more specific information.
Yes, all college level courses with space availability are available for PSEO students. Certain limitations are based on program eligibility.
The PSEO program covers all course tuition, fees, and required textbooks. Supplies that the student keeps at the end of the semester will be purchased by the student. Books and materials that are not returned by the due date at the end of the semester will be charged to the students account and their transcript will not be released until the balance has been paid.
No, the PSEO program is only an option during the regular academic year (fall and spring semesters). Students interested in enrolling in summer courses can speak with the Admissions Office about summer courses, you will need to reapply to the university before enrolling in summer courses. Students will be responsible for tuition, fees, and textbooks for summer courses.
All students in the PSEO program will be expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 ("C") or better and maintain a course completion rate of 67% or higher.
If a class is not passed, students could fall behind on their high school graduation requirements. All grades earned as a PSEO student are also reflected on each student's transcript like any other college course.
New PSEO students can register for courses after completing the required online orientation. Returning students can register after their semesterly paperwork is complete and open enrollment has begun.
All first-time PSEO students must complete the Online PSEO Orientation. Information about the online orientation will be emailed to the PSEO student upon acceptance to the PSEO program. Students must be accepted to the PSEO program to complete online orientation.
The institution a student transfers to determines how coursework counts towards completion of the student's degree. If you are interested in transferring to another college or university, please work with the PSEO advisor to assist you to transfer your courses to the receiving college.
DCTC encourages PSEO students to limit their credit load their first semester to 12 credits or less. PSEO students need permission from the PSEO advisor at Dakota County Technical College if they wish to take more than 18 credits in one semester.
PSEO students are responsible for their own travel to and from Dakota County Technical College. There is a partnership with MTVA Connect, a public transportation option to DCTC from some of the South East Metro. There is a travel reimbursement option for students who meet the income guidelines.
Yes, PSEO students are still able to participate in high school activates if they do not interfere with the student's class time. PSEO students are also eligible to participate in college events at DCTC.
Accommodations are available with the appropriate documentation; however, accommodations provided at the college level may not be the same as those provided by an IEP (Individual Education Plan). PSEO students are expected to seek out the Accessibility Services to set up accommodations before classes start. You can contact Accessibility Services at 651-423-8469.
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protects the rights of college students no matter their age, meaning that data cannot be shared with a parent or guardian unless the student completes an Authorization to Release Data.
Yes. PSEO students are unable to register for:
While PSEO students can enroll in most programs at DCTC if they have space, the amount of the program able to be completed will depend on the student’s remaining high school graduation requirements and when the begin the program.
Yes. All DCTC credits are accredited and transferable.
PSEO students have until the 5th day of the semester to make any changes to their schedule. Courses registered for after the 5th day of the semester will not be covered by the PSEO program. After the 5th day of the semester if a PSEO student chooses to drop a course, it will be considered a withdrawal and their transcript will reflect the withdrawn course.
College courses are more academically challenging, and the primary responsibility for learning is yours. You should plan to spend two to three hours of study for every hour spent in class. If you also work and/or participate in after-school activities, consider whether PSEO will be a good fit. Keep in mind, you will be taking classes with students who have already completed high school.
PSEO students are expected to:
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