Go to college for free? For high schoolers in Minnesota, it’s true!
Minnesota high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12, have the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously through the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) program. Established in 1985, the PSEO program allows eligible students to enroll in courses taught on a college campus or via online delivery that fulfill requirements for both their high school curriculum and an associate degree. The best part of this program is tuition, fees, and books are all free of charge to students—including those students who were home-schooled. Since PSEO students are dual-enrolled, they can participate in student life experiences at both schools including student government, performing arts, and athletics.
RCTC is a regional leader for PSEO with hundreds of high school students enrolling each year—many earning an associate of liberal arts degree before they graduate from high school. RCTC currently serves students from more than 40 different high schools throughout southeastern Minnesota.
Having completed their first two years of college while still in high school saves students and families tens of thousands of dollars in tuition expenses, and drastically cuts the burden of student loan debt of a four-year bachelor’s degree. Students save over $6,000 each year in RCTC tuition and fees, and over $30,000 per year based on the average cost of a year of college tuition across the state of Minnesota (public and private college tuition average). Students can elect to take one class (average 3 credits) per semester, or a full-time credit load of 15 credits or more. RCTC’s PSEO advisors work closely with students to chart out the best path for them.
In short, students and parents need to explore the Post-Secondary Enrollment Option as a way to not only get an exceptional education, but to also save thousands on college tuition expenses.
Recent media coverage on RCTC’s PSEO program
ABC 6 News KAAL TV story