Dual Enrollment/College Credit

Postsecondary Enrollment Options, or PSEO, is a Minnesota program that allows eligible high school students to take college courses through Minnesota colleges and universities while earning both high school and college credit.

For some students, PSEO can offer a valuable opportunity to take college-level coursework, earn credits, and explore areas of interest.

PSEO means the student takes the course directly through a college, often online or on a college campus.

Concurrent enrollment means the course is taught at Austin High School by an AHS teacher using a college-approved curriculum through our higher education partner, Riverland Community College.

Both options can provide college credit.  However, the experience, structure, schedule, and level of daily support can look different.

For some students, PSEO may be the right fit. For others, concurrent enrollment may offer the college credit they want while maintaining the structure and support of Austin High School.

A thoughtful conversation before enrolling can help prevent challenges later.

PSEO can be a strong opportunity, but it is also a college-level commitment. Students and families/caregivers should understand the expectations, risks, and graduation implications before enrolling.

PSEO can be a great opportunity for students who are ready for college-level coursework.

Before enrolling, families should understand:

• graduation requirements
• workload expectations
• how credits transfer
• what happens if a course is not completed successfully

Talking with a school counselor before registering can help students make the best choice for their goals.

PSEO can support a student’s progress toward graduation when courses are carefully selected, successfully completed, and aligned with the student’s goals. It can also create challenges if courses are not aligned, if a student takes on too much too quickly, or if a course is not successfully completed.

Yes, it can. PSEO courses can positively support a student’s progress toward graduation when the courses are carefully selected, successfully completed, and aligned with the student’s high school requirements and future goals.

That is why students should work closely with the Austin High School counseling department before enrolling. Counselors can help students understand which courses may count toward graduation requirements and how those courses fit into the student’s overall academic plan.

Yes, it can. If a student withdraws from, fails, or does not complete a PSEO course, it may affect the student’s high school graduation timeline.

In simple terms, not being successful in a PSEO course can put a student’s high school graduation timeline at risk.

This does not mean students should avoid PSEO. It means families/caregivers should fully understand the expectations and make a plan before enrolling.

PSEO courses are college courses. They often move quickly and require more independence than many high school courses.

Students may need to manage more reading, writing, studying, deadlines, and communication with instructors. They may also have fewer daily reminders and less direct structure than they are used to in high school.

A student who is ready for college-level expectations may do very well in PSEO. A student who is still developing academic habits, time management, or confidence in asking for help may need a different plan or may need more support before taking that step.

The question should not only be, “Can my child access PSEO?” The better question is, “Is PSEO the right fit for my child right now?”

Families/caregivers should consider questions such as:

• Is my child currently successful in required high school courses?
• Does my child manage deadlines without frequent reminders?
• Is my child comfortable communicating directly with instructors?
• Does my child ask for help when needed?
• Does this course support graduation requirements, career goals, or college plans?
• What happens if my child withdraws from, fails, or does not complete the course?
• What is the backup plan if the course becomes too difficult?
• Will this choice help my child stay connected, supported, and on track?
• What parts of the high school experience might my child gain, miss, or need to replace?

These questions are not meant to discourage students. They are meant to support thoughtful decision-making.

A good opportunity is only good if it fits the student, the timing, and the plan.

No. Because PSEO courses are taken directly through a college or university, Austin High School counselors and administrators do not have access to a student's grades, assignments, attendance, or course progress. Students and parents are responsible for monitoring progress and communicating with the college and instructor as needed.

Yes. Concurrent Enrollment courses are taught at Austin High School by AHS teachers. Student progress is monitored through the same processes used in other high school courses, and students receive the full support of the counseling team.

Students should contact their instructor as soon as concerns arise. Students are also encouraged to connect with their school counselor, who can help identify available resources and discuss support options.

For most students, there is no cost for tuition, required fees, or required textbooks and instructional materials for approved PSEO and Concurrent Enrollment courses. Minnesota's Postsecondary Enrollment Options program is designed to allow eligible students to earn college credit at no cost while still in high school.

Students may be responsible for the cost of items that become their personal property, such as specialized equipment, uniforms, work boots, or materials that are not returned.

Transportation to and from a college campus is generally the responsibility of the student and family/caregiver. However, some low-income families may qualify for transportation reimbursement through the State of Minnesota.

Students and families/caregivers are always encouraged to speak with their school counselor if they have questions about costs associated with a specific course or program.

No. Participating in PSEO or Concurrent Enrollment does not reduce a student's eligibility for future federal or state financial aid programs.

After high school graduation, students may still apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or, if applicable, the Minnesota Dream Act application. Eligibility for financial aid is based on factors such as family income, household information, enrollment status, and the financial aid policies of the college or university the student attends.

In fact, earning college credits through PSEO or Concurrent Enrollment may help students reduce the overall cost of a college degree by completing credits before graduating from high school. Students and families/caregivers are always encouraged to speak with their school counselor if they have questions regarding financial aid.

Not necessarily. High school provides a well-rounded educational experience that goes beyond earning credits. Students benefit from challenging academics while also gaining opportunities to lead, collaborate, participate in activities, serve their community, and build meaningful relationships.

Austin High School offers academic courses, college-credit opportunities, career pathways, fine arts, activities, athletics, leadership experiences, student support, peer relationships, and daily connections with staff who know our students well.

Those experiences matter. They help students build confidence, develop a sense of belonging, strengthen responsibility, explore interests, and prepare for success in college, careers, and life. While PSEO can be a great fit for some students, Austin High School remains an excellent choice because it provides the comprehensive support and experiences that help students thrive.

Earning college credit can be a meaningful opportunity, but it should not be the only factor in the decision.

High school is more than a list of credits. It is a once-in-a-lifetime season of learning, friendships, activities, arts, athletics, leadership, school traditions, trusted adults, and daily moments that help students grow into who they are becoming.

Students only get to do high school once. Families/caregivers should also consider how PSEO may affect a student’s involvement in activities and athletics, leadership opportunities, and daily connections with peers and staff.

The goal is not to choose between opportunity and high school. The goal is to choose the path that best supports the student’s growth, goals, and readiness.

It can. For some students, PSEO may add to their high school experience. For others, it may pull them away from parts of high school that are difficult to replace later, such as daily connections with peers and teachers, activities, leadership opportunities, arts, athletics, and school traditions.

That does not mean PSEO is the wrong choice. It means the choice deserves careful thought and planning.

Students should connect with the Austin High School counseling department before enrolling in PSEO.

Counselors can help students and families/caregivers understand:

• Eligibility requirements.
• Course selection.
• Graduation requirements.
• Timelines.
• Transcripts.
• Academic expectations.
• Possible risks.
• Whether PSEO, concurrent enrollment, or another AHS option best supports the student’s goals.

Please reach out to the Austin High School counseling department before finalizing the decision.

A counselor can help review the student’s academic plan, confirm how courses may apply to graduation requirements, and help the student understand the expectations of college-level coursework. A thoughtful conversation now can help prevent challenges later.

That is okay. If this information has prompted you to pause and reconsider whether PSEO is the right fit for you right now, please reach out to the Austin High School counseling department. Reconsidering does not mean giving up an opportunity. It means making a careful and informed decision.

The goal is to choose the right opportunity, at the right time, for the right reason.

The Austin High School counseling department is the best place to start.

If your child is considering PSEO, or if this information has caused you to pause and reconsider whether PSEO is the right fit right now, please contact the counseling department before finalizing a decision. Counselors can help students and families/caregivers understand eligibility, course selection, graduation requirements, timelines, transcripts, and possible risks.

A thoughtful conversation now can help prevent challenges later and keep students on track for graduation and life after high school.

PSEO can be a strong step forward when it is chosen with purpose, readiness, and a clear plan. High school can also be a powerful place to grow, belong, lead, explore, and prepare for what comes next. Students only get this season once. Let’s help them choose well.