Get a Head Start on College Credits

Minnesota high school juniors and seniors are eligible to apply for Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) at Gustavus as they complete their high school diploma. Gustavus offers full-time and part-time enrollment options for students looking to earn college credits at no cost while they're still in high school. Coursework is typically completed in-person and on campus; all PSEO students should consult with their high school counselor to ensure required courses for their diploma are being met while enrolled in PSEO.

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How to Apply

All applicants must submit:

Apply for PSEO

Your Path to Gustavus

Applying as a PSEO student is easy—and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our checklist outlines what you need, from submitting transcripts to consulting with your high school counselor. Once your application is complete, you’ll receive your admission decision—often within two weeks. You can track your progress and submit materials through your personalized Gustavus Applicant Portal.

 

Full-time PSEO students are

 

  • Required to take a First Term Seminar course in the first semester
  • Eligible to enroll in 12-19 credits per semester
  • Complete course registration with first-year students
  • Assigned a faculty advisor to assist with course planning
  • Seniors who participate full-time may live on-campus in first-year housing
     

Part-time PSEO students are

 

  • Eligible to enroll in 11 credits or less
  • Assisted in course registration after first-year students have registered
  • Assigned an academic advisor to assist with course planning
  • Not eligible to live on campus

 

Additional information

 

Credit obtained at other institutions can transfer to Gustavus. Please check Transferology for more details. Completion of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum or an Associate of Arts degree will fulfill most general education requirements at Gustavus.
 

Cost
 

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books, or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, or for textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies. Housing and meal plan costs are not covered by the Minnesota PSEO program and are the sole responsibility of the student should they choose to live on campus (seniors only). 
 

Gustavus PSEO Students Guarantee


Upon successful completion of the PSEO program at the College and attainment of a high school diploma, participating students are guaranteed admission to Gustavus for undergraduate enrollment.

Successful completion of the PSEO program includes:

  • Earning a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher across both high school and Gustavus PSEO courses.
  • Maintaining good academic and community standing with Gustavus faculty.

Students do not need to re-submit an application to Gustavus to receive guaranteed admission, but they do need to notify us if they want their application considered for first-year admission. For questions or to confirm your intent to enroll as a full-time student, please contact Joy Reese (see below).

 

Contact
 

Joy Reese
Senior Assistant Dean of Admission
(507) 933-6390
jreese2 [at] gustavus.edu (jreese2[at]gustavus[dot]edu)

Deadlines

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) has set deadlines for PSEO students that are non-negotiable. Please see MDE’s PSEO webpage for more details. 

  • May 15: Priority application deadline for fall
  • October 15: Priority application deadline for spring
View MDE's PSEO Website
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