Students can get a jump start on earning college credits by taking college courses while they are still in high school through Minnesota’s PSEO program. This program allows students to take college courses tuition-free, saving both time and money on completing a college degree. PSEO courses may also fulfill high school course requirements and count toward a high school diploma.
Be sure to read the PSEO Eligibility Criteria (below) to make sure you qualify for PSEO at SCC.
PSEO Helpful Information
Eligibility Criteria for PSEO
10th grade (Sophomores) must:
- Meet or exceed the 8th grade Reading Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment (MCA)
11th grade (Juniors) must:
- Rank in the upper third of their graduating class OR
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better OR
- Score at or above the 70th percentile on a nationally standardized test. For reference 70th percentile scores are:
- ACT Composite: 24
- SAT (must meet all 3): Math: 580, Writing: 550, and SAT Reading: 560
- Aspire Composite: 424.6
- PSAT Composite: 1030
12th grade (Seniors) must:
- Rank in the upper half of their graduating class OR
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better OR
- Score at or above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized test. For reference 50th percentile scores are:
- ACT Composite: 20
- SAT (must meet all 3): Math: 520, Writing: 490, and SAT Reading: 500
- Aspire Composite: 419
- PSAT Composite: 920
Note: 19-21 year old students follow the 12th grade criteria. Work with your high school counselor to complete the PSEO Extended Eligibility paperwork in addition to completing the Admission steps.
Application Checklist
-
Submit a completed South Central College application by using our Online Application or print out an Application Form and send in the completed form to the college. Use the PSEO Online Application Instructions for step-by-step assistance.
-
Submit an official high school transcript identifying GPA or class rank. Transcripts must be official and sent directly to SCC.
-
Submit a copy of the PSEO Notice of Student Registration Form. Sign by typing the corresponding names in the signature field of student, parent, and high school counselor. Submit the completed form to your school counselor for their signature and they will forward it to South Central College.
-
Submit an official college transcript if you have taken PSEO or Concurrent Enrollment courses. SCC may be able to obtain your official transcripts from any of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities at no charge to you.
-
Submit any earned Articulated College Credit (ACC) or Advanced Placement (AP) scores.
- Please submit application materials to:
South Central College, Admissions Office, 1920 Lee Boulevard, North Mankato, MN 56003 OR email toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Next Steps after Being Admitted
New PSEO students follow the same process as all new SCC students after admission. Learn what to do after you are accepted on the “Next Steps after Admission" page.
Cost and Textbooks
The PSEO program covers all applicable tuition, fees and textbooks. It covers consumable supplies that are required specifically for a course, such as art supplies. The program does not supply general school supplies or non-consumable supplies such as calculators, tools, uniforms, etc.
Textbooks used through the program are property of SCC. These materials must be returned to the on-campus bookstore during finals week. Students will be charged for textbooks and materials not returned in a timely manner at the used book price. If a book you need for a class is not available in the SCC Bookstore, please reach out to the PSEO Coordinator at
Caution: The Minnesota Department of Education will only cover PSEO expenses billed by the institution(s) to which PSEO students have been admitted. PSEO students will be responsible for any tuition, fees, and supplies at any institution(s) to which they are not admitted.
Grades and Transcripts
The PSEO Coordinator will submit your official SCC transcript to your high school after grades are posted each semester. If grades for a student or from a single course are not posted or a school does not receive the student's record, the student must coordinate submitting an updated grade report to the high school.
Students may access their grades online through their e-Services account. Remember that the courses you take through the PSEO program will become a permanent part of your official academic record. If you are printing your grade report for your high school, be sure to check "Display Name" upon logging into e-Services.
Students enrolling at other colleges or universities following high school graduation must request a transcript through the Registration department. *Please note Minnesota State campuses are able to secure your SCC transcript at no cost to you, as long as you do not have a hold on your record. Students requesting transcripts sent to other campuses will be responsible for the processing fee.
Support Services and Student Life
PSEO students have full access to all support services including tutoring, career and personal counseling, academic advising and more. Open the 
SCC Student Resource Guide PDF281.86 KB to view a full list of services and contact information.
Student Life also offers many ways to get involved on campus. PSEO students are eligible to participate in clubs and organizations. To see a list of current opportunities, go to www.southcentral.edu/studentlife.
How to be successful in class:
- Students will comply with all policies for students included on the SCC policy webpage: SCC Student Policies
- You need to attend class every day that it meets.
- Notify your instructor(s) when you need to be absent due to illness, weather, or other emergencies. A snow day at your high school does not mean a snow day for SCC. Your courses at SCC will only be cancelled if SCC shuts down or your instructor cancels class.
- College courses require maturity, self-discipline, good study skills, and time management skills. As a general rule, you will need to spend two hours of study time for each hour you are in class.
- Controversial and adult subjects may be discussed in many courses and your participation is expected.
- If you have any questions regarding any of your courses you must direct them to each individual instructor.
Student Privacy Information
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly known as FERPA, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Students have specific, protected rights regarding the release of such records and FERPA requires that institutions adhere strictly to these guidelines.
Due to educational reasons, SCC may communicate with only your high school counselor. If you want anyone else (parents, siblings, grandparents) to have access to your information, you will need to fill out an Authorization to Release Information form.
Graduating PSEO Students
If you would like to continue your education at SCC after high school graduation, please complete and submit the Intent to Return Form.
Please also submit an official, final high school transcript after graduation date has been posted.
PSEO Admission Appeal
An applicant who is denied acceptance into the PSEO program due to not meeting admission criteria has the right to appeal the decision to the college. The appeal process requires the student to submit the following:
- PSEO Admission Appeal Form
- Letter of support from a school contact person
Please return completed appeal documents to:
South Central College, Admissions Office, 1920 Lee Boulevard, North Mankato, MN 56003 OR email to
