High school students: take free college courses
Minnesota’s PSEO program lets you take Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota courses online or on campus, tuition-free while earning dual credit.
What Is PSEO?
Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a state-funded program that allows qualified public and private high school students to take actual college courses from Saint Mary’s. You earn both high school and college credit — and pay nothing for tuition.
Program Highlights
- Online and on-campus course options
- Taught by Saint Mary’s faculty
- Tuition and books covered by the state
- Receive an official Saint Mary’s University transcript
- Credits accepted by most colleges and universities
Eligibility
- 3.0 GPA
- Minnesota public high school juniors and seniors
- Meet Saint Mary’s admissions criteria
- Apply before term deadlines
What you’ll take
Explore a wide range of foundational courses designed to build your skills and knowledge. Popular Winona campus options include:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Communication
- English
- Literature
- And other General Education courses
You’ll have access to all 100- and 200-level courses currently offered in our Winona campus catalog, giving you the flexibility to tailor your schedule to your goals.
Online students may take any 100- or 200-level course offered in our online catalog – with more than 20 courses to choose from!
Finish what you started — at Saint Mary’s
You’ve already taken the first step by earning Saint Mary’s college credit. Continue your journey with a university that already feels familiar and build on the foundation you’ve started.
When you enroll at Saint Mary’s after high school, you’ll enjoy:
- A seamless transition to full-time college
- Familiar faculty, learning platforms, and expectations
- The ability to graduate on time — or even early
- A community that already knows and supports you
- A $1,000 annual scholarship, renewable for up to four years, exclusively for former PSEO students who complete their degree at Saint Mary’s
FAQ for students and parents
What is PSEO?
Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a state-funded program in Minnesota that allows qualified public high school juniors and seniors to take college-level courses — for both high school and college credit — at no cost to the student.
Who is eligible for PSEO at Saint Mary's?
Students must be:
- Enrolled in a Minnesota public or private high school and a Minnesota resident.
- In 11th or 12th grade
- Meet Saint Mary’s academic criteria, minimum 3.0 GPA
- Approved by their high school and parents
How much does it cost?
Tuition, books, and required course materials are free to students through state funding. There may be optional expenses (e.g., transportation, supplies).
Where are PSEO courses taken?
Students may attend classes online or at the Saint Mary’s University Winona campus. These are actual college courses with current undergraduate students.
Can I take both high school and college classes?
Yes. Students can enroll in PSEO courses part-time or full-time while still completing high school graduation requirements.
How do I apply for PSEO at Saint Mary's?
- Submit the online admission application
- Provide high school transcript and state-required form
- Meet with a Saint Mary’s advisor to select courses
- Receive approval from your high school counselor
Will these credits transfer to other colleges?
Yes, most PSEO credits earned at Saint Mary’s are transferable to other colleges and universities. Always confirm with your intended institution.
What are the benefits of PSEO?
- Shorten time to college degree completion
- Earn free college credits
- Experience real college coursework
- Reduce future college costs
- Strengthen your college applications
- Gain confidence and academic preparation
Why should I transfer my credits to Saint Mary's?
If you choose to enroll at Saint Mary’s after high school:
- Your credits apply directly to your Saint Mary’s degree
- You already know the campus, professors, and support system
- You may qualify for scholarships and admission advantages
- You can potentially graduate sooner and with less debt
Are there orientation and support resources for PSEO students?
Yes. Saint Mary’s provides academic advising, access to tutoring, library resources, and an orientation designed to help high school students succeed in a college environment.
What's expected of PSEO students?
- Follow all university academic policies and deadlines
- Communicate with instructors and advisors
- Take responsibility for your learning and performance
- Demonstrate readiness and the responsibility for a college-level environment
Do parents have access to student records?
No. Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), parents do not have automatic access to college records without the student’s written consent.