What if I told you there was a way to save $34,000 and two years of your life, well that’s a possibility with PSEO. Post Secondary Enrollment Options or more commonly known as PSEO, is a unique learning opportunity given to high school juniors and seniors that allows them to take both their required and major-based courses at college for free. Not to mention, reaping the rewards that come with being a college student like flexible course schedules, taking classes online or in-person, access to college-level materials and software, and a whole new college community, among many other things. As you navigate through life, PSEO will help set you up for the future by providing a free, easy, and accessible way to get a kickstart on life.

According to the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, since 1985 more than 110,000 Minnesota students have participated in the program. Studies show that 97% were either “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with their experience and 86% of participating students would participate in PSEO again. In an interview with a second-year PSEO student at Century, he defined the welfare and benefits of being a student at Century. “I was able to make every class fit into my schedule; I love the freedom of showing up whenever I want,” which is a prevalent theme among PSEO students at Century. This student is now on track to achieve his associate’s degree in only two years before even graduating from high school.

Now you may wonder, why would I choose PSEO over finishing my academic career at high school? As a first-year PSEO student who’s already saved one semester’s worth of tuition, participating in PSEO allows you to earn college credit before graduating from high school, ultimately giving you a head start on your future all while providing independence. Next, you get access to the college campus’ amenities, for example, Century College gives access to Microsoft 365, the library, writing-center, and tutor.com. Since the process of PSEO is all through “Minnstate,” your credits transfer after graduation to any eligible state university. Also, it enhances your college application for greater opportunities later. Finally, the best part is that everything is free, from books to classes, it’s all paid for by the state saving you several semesters’ worth of tuition.

Now, taking classes at Century will be harder than taking courses at your local high school but there are benefits. According to a study done by Minnesota State, students who participate in PSEO have higher GPAs, higher rates of enrolling in college after high school, lower rates of required remediation, and higher rates of earning postsecondary degrees. Also, according to Collegerank.net studies show that 50%-70% of undergraduate students change their majors at least once, and the majority change their majors at least three times, meaning PSEO can act as a “free trial” to decide what field you want to pursue.

If you are interested in PSEO, talk to your high school counselor who can help you connect with a college admissions advisor. Prerequisites to get accepted as a PSEO student vary by university but if you are a driven student, you should have no problem being accepted. As you earn both high school and college credit through PSEO, you will be challenged as a student to improve your test-taking, study, and communication skills while being prepared and set up for your future endeavors. If you value your time and money, PSEO is a great option for any current high school juniors or seniors.