Special Programs
Exceptional Opportunities to Accelerate Your Degree
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is academic credit that is awarded to students who can successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You could have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree. Find out by contacting your advisor. Advisors and many faculty play a role in helping you recognize and identify your learning that might have potential for college-level assessment.
Minnesota State colleges and universities may have different guidelines and processes for granting credit for your prior learning through standardized CLEP examinations, military training or service, Advanced Placement exams, International Baccalaureate diplomas, and (in some cases) college course credit by examinations, individualized assessments, portfolio reviews, or competence demonstrations. Our Veterans Education Transfer System (VETS) shows how many academic credits you can receive for military occupations prior to admissions.
Concurrent Enrollment*
Students can complete college courses at their high school while fulfilling high school course requirements at the same time. If you are interested in this option, speak to your high school guidance counselor.
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)*
PSEO are college courses offered to high school students. The courses are taught by college or university faculty and allow students to earn both high school and college credit for successfully completing the course. Contact your local state college or university for eligibility requirements and information.
Technical Course Options**
Students in 10th grade may take one technical college-level course taught on a college campus. You must be enrolled in a public school and meet requirements for reading proficiency and other assessments related to the course in which you wish to enroll.
* To be eligible for PSEO or concurrent enrollment with a Minnesota State college or university, high school juniors must be in the upper one-third of their class or earn a score at or above the 70th percentile on a test such as the ACT or SAT. Seniors must be in the upper one-half of their class or earn a score at or above the 50th percentile on a test such as the ACT or SAT. Students who do not meet these requirements may still be eligible if they can meet other college readiness standards determined by the college or university. Students in 9th or 10th grade may also be eligible to take PSEO or concurrent enrollment courses if they 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 if they have a favorable recommendation from designated high school officials. All high school students enrolling in PSEO or concurrent enrollment, regardless of grade level, must also meet all college course prerequisites.
** A student who first completed technical courses while in 10th grade and wishes to enroll in general education courses as an 11th or 12th grade student must take assessment tests and achieve the required scores prior to enrollment in additional PSEO courses.