Dual Enrollment Programs
Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to earn college credit at no cost.
Over 50,000 high school students participate in dual enrollment programs across Minnesota each year, making college education more accessible, more affordable, and can decrease the time to degree completion.
High school students who participate in dual enrollment programs are more likely to:
- enroll in college,
- persist in college, and
- complete their college degree programs.
PSEO
Take college classes while in high school
The post-secondary enrollment options (PSEO) program allows high school students to take college-level courses on a college or university campus to earn credits simultaneously towards their high school diploma and their college education at no cost.
Concurrent Enrollment
Earn college credit at your high school
The concurrent enrollment program allows high school students to take college-level courses offered at their high school to earn credits simultaneously towards their high school diploma and their college education at no cost.
Courses are taught by qualified high school teachers in collaboration with participating college or university* faculty who teach within the same discipline.
Students need to meet prerequisite requirements for any dual enrollment course. The college or university makes the final determination on a student's readiness.
High School Seniors
To enroll in PSEO or concurrent enrollment courses, high school seniors must be in the upper one-half of their class or score at or above the 50th percentile on the ACT or SAT. Each college or university may have other ways to determine a student’s readiness. Students should contact their high school counselor or college or university to find out if they qualify.
High School Juniors
To enroll in PSEO or concurrent enrollment courses, high school juniors must be in the upper one-third of their class or score at or above the 70th percentile on a test, such as the ACT or SAT. Each college or university may have other ways to determine a student’s readiness. Students should contact their high school counselor or college or university to find out if they qualify.
High School Sophomores and Freshmen
- PSEO - Students in 9th or 10th grade must rank in the upper one-tenth of their class or attain a score at or above the 90th percentile on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced test, or have a favorable recommendation from a designated high school official to enroll in college or university courses.
- Concurrent Enrollment - Students in 9th or 10th grade may be able to enroll in concurrent enrollment or a PSEO by contract courses if the school district and the eligible post-secondary institution providing the course agrees to the student's enrollment.
Sophomores and Career and Technical Education
A 10th grade student may enroll in a Minnesota State Career and Technical Education (CTE) course if they have attained a passing score or met the 8th grade standard on the 8th grade Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment in reading.
Students must also meet other course prerequisites or course enrollment standards established by the post-secondary institution, which include but are not limited to assessment test scores and program admission requirements.
If a sophomore receives a grade of C or better in the course, the student shall be allowed to take additional CTE courses in subsequent terms. Colleges and universities may admit students based on other documentation of ability to perform college-level work.
How much do dual enrollment courses cost?
Tuition and fees are covered! PSEO students do not have to pay for tuition, fees, or books as these costs are covered by the program. Concurrent enrollment courses are offered free to high school students.
Who should students contact if they are interested in learning more?
Students should indicate their interest in PSEO or concurrent enrollment to their high school counselor. Then students should contact the college or university they are interested in taking classes from and connect with the campus’ PSEO or concurrent enrollment coordinator, usually housed in the college or university admissions office.
What type of courses can a dual enrollment student take?
Eligible dual enrollment students can take a range of classes, including general education and career and technical education courses.
General education courses are usually liberal arts. Examples include English, calculus, anatomy, biology, political science, art history and psychology.
Career and technical education courses focus on preparing students for specific occupations and can lead to a certificate, diploma or associate degree. Examples include nursing assistant, manufacturing technician, accounting, business, and engineering.
What happens if a student doesn't pass the course?
If a class required for high school graduation is taken through a dual enrollment program and is not successfully completed, the student might not be able to graduate with their high school class. In addition, a grade will be recorded on the student’s permanent college or university transcript.
Will dual enrollment coursework transfer to other colleges and universities?
All dual enrollment course grades appear on a sponsoring college or university transcript. Courses that are part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum are widely transferable among state colleges and universities for general education credit.
Receiving institutions determine how coursework counts toward completion of the student’s degree. If you are interested in transferring to another institution, work with a college or university advisor to assist in transfer of courses to your planned receiving institution.
Can a student take fully online college courses?
The PSEO program allows eligible students to take online college or university courses taught by a college or university faculty member.
Is there an orientation for dual enrollment students?
Yes, Minnesota State campuses host specific orientations for both PSEO and concurrent enrollment students. Orientation sessions review registration requirements and help students learn about academic services available to them.
Is there a limit to the number of credits a student can take through dual enrollment?
Yes. Under Minnesota Statute 124.09D:
- Freshmen are limited to the equivalent of four academic years of dual enrollment participation.
- Sophomores are limited to the equivalent of three academic years of dual enrollment participation.
- Juniors are limited to two academic years of dual enrollment participation.
- Seniors are limited to the equivalent of one academic year of dual enrollment participation.
Can a student earn up to an associate degree or an occupational diploma as they graduate from high school?
Yes, students have been able to earn up to an occupational diploma or associate degree as they dually complete requirements for their high school diploma and their college credential.
Students should work with a college or university advisor to assure they are taking courses that will count for dual purposes. Students should also work with their high school counselor to assure they are on track for high school graduation.
If a student chooses to participate in a dual enrollment program, can they still participate in their high school sports and extra-curricular activities?
According to Minnesota Statute 124.09D, participating in a dual enrollment program cannot by itself prohibit a student from participating in high school extra-curricular activities.
Are home schooled students also eligible?
Yes.
Pathway to 18
Due to clarifications for minimum faculty qualifications from our state’s regional accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), many high school concurrent enrollment teachers may need to enroll in graduate-level coursework in their discipline.
All seven Minnesota State universities offer graduate programs and courses needed to meet HLC concurrent enrollment guidelines.
Learn more about Pathway to 18Educational Development
Concurrent enrollment high school teachers can take advantage of free educational development opportunities offered through the Minnesota State Network for Educational Development (NED).
The NED offers webinars, short and long courses, and faculty learning communities. Participants gain awareness, develop knowledge, skills, and abilities, and are provided space for reflecting and revising.
Browse NED EventsMinnesota State colleges and universities currently provide over 90% of all concurrent enrollment offered in the state.
Minnesota State Concurrent Enrollment Providers
*Accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). The NACEP is the sole accrediting body for concurrent enrollment programs.
Dual enrollment programs are supported by the P-20 Team in the Academic Affairs unit.
P-20 Team
Jessica Espinosa
Director, College Transitions
651-201-1651
Jessica.Espinosa@MinnState.edu
Krystle Igbo-Ogbonna
Director of Student Access and Academic Partnerships
Krystle.Igbo-Ogbonna@MinnState.edu
Anthony Miller
System Director of P-20 and Student Success
Anthony.Miller@MinnState.edu