Early College
Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Program
Through Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Program at Bethel, you can earn college credit while completing your high school requirements. PSEO classes are free to qualifying students, which means you’ll save thousands of dollars in tuition each year.
Minnesota residents who are juniors or seniors in high school are eligible for the PSEO program at Bethel as long as they meet GPA or test score requirements. Here are a few benefits that set the PSEO experience at Bethel apart:
Real college experiences
Our PSEO students are valued members of the Bethel community. You'll experience life at Bethel the same as any other undergraduate student.
Associate's degree completion
Begin PSEO classes your junior year, and you may be able to complete your associate's degree while still in high school. Talk to your Bethel advisor to learn more if this is one of your goals!
Highly available professors
You'll learn from professors who are passionate about seeing you grow and succeed. Our faculty are accessible by email and routine office hours, both on campus and online.
Flexible options
With Bethel's online and on-campus PSEO classes, you can participate fully online, fully on campus, or some combination of the two.
Robust online courses
If you enroll in online PSEO courses, you'll find interactive and engaging experiences designed to help you establish rich connections with classmates and professors.
Comprehensive PSEO student support
You'll have access to a variety of support systems, including tutoring, writing support, spiritual support, mental health support, and personalized academic advising.
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Interested in learning more about Bethel's PSEO program and PSEO requirements in Minnesota? Fill out this simple form—we'll send you more information soon!
PSEO eligibility
To apply to be a PSEO student at Bethel, you must:
- Be a junior or senior in high school by the time you start classes
- Be a resident of the state of Minnesota
- Either have a GPA of at least 3.0 or submit a qualifying test score (ACT composite score of 24+ or 75th percentile on a standardized test)
Course options
As a PSEO student, you'll build your schedule with the help of a Bethel advisor, choosing from college courses that span 8 or 16 weeks. Minnesota PSEO courses are specifically designed to meet high school requirements, and 8-week courses are staggered to allow you to build a full schedule, should you choose to do so. Some foundational courses you may take can include: Western Culture, Christian Theology, and Science, Technology and Society.
Summer Term
PSEO students between their junior and senior year of high school may take summer PSEO classes at the reduced early college rate of $250/credit. Most summer courses run during one half of the summer term, while others may run the entire length of the summer term. Courses vary in length and may overlap. Email early-college-advising@bethel.edu with any questions.
Interested in living on campus?
As a PSEO student, you'll have the opportunity to participate in college activities and use campus facilities—and if you're 17 years old by move-in day, you have the option to live in a Bethel residence hall. Just note that your family will be responsible for all associated fees, as room and board are not covered by the state of Minnesota.
PSEO info sessions
See yourself at Bethel—join us for one of our in-person or virtual events!
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Start your PSEO journey at Bethel.
Taking Minnesota PSEO courses can shave thousands of dollars off your tuition fees—and at Bethel, you'll find a PSEO experience set apart from the rest. Whether you take college-level courses on campus or online, you'll discover a community of Christ-followers who care about you and the person you are becoming.
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Frequently asked questions
- Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a state-funded program that allows eligible Minnesota high school juniors and seniors to take college courses at no cost. This opportunity enables students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, helping them get a head start on their college education. Courses can be taken at participating colleges and universities, either in person or online, depending on the institution's offerings.
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To qualify for PSEO at Bethel University, students must be high school juniors or seniors and meet the academic eligibility requirements. You must:
- Be a junior or senior in high school by the time you start classes
- Be a resident of the state of Minnesota
- Either have a GPA of at least 3.0 or submit a qualifying test score (ACT composite score of 24+ or 75th percentile on a standardized test)
- The Minnesota PSEO program allows eligible high school students to enroll in college courses that count toward both their high school graduation requirements and future college degrees. Students can choose to attend classes on a college campus, online, or in a hybrid format, depending on the institution. Tuition and standard fees are covered by the state, making this a cost-effective way to begin earning college credits before high school graduation.
- Yes, Bethel University offers online PSEO courses in addition to in-person classes. Some online courses are asynchronous, meaning students can complete coursework on their own schedule, while others may require virtual class meetings at set times. This flexibility allows students to balance their high school coursework and extracurricular activities while earning college credits.
- PSEO provides students with a cost-effective way to earn college credits while still in high school, reducing future college tuition expenses. It also allows students to experience college-level coursework and develop important academic skills such as time management and critical thinking. Additionally, students can explore potential majors and career paths earlier, giving them a head start on their higher education journey.
- To apply for PSEO at Bethel University, students must complete an online application and submit required materials such as transcripts and standardized test scores. They must also complete the Minnesota Department of Education PSEO form. Once accepted, students will meet with an Early College advisor to select their courses and ensure they align with both high school and college requirements.
- Yes, courses taken through the PSEO program count toward both high school graduation requirements and college credit. Students should work closely with their high school counselor and Bethel’s Early College advisor to ensure they are selecting courses that fulfill their academic goals for both high school and college.
- Yes, Bethel University is a Christian institution, and its PSEO courses are taught from a faith-based perspective. While students from all backgrounds are welcome to participate, they should be aware that course content and discussions may incorporate Christian principles and viewpoints.
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The deadline to apply for the Minnesota PSEO program at Bethel University typically falls in the spring for the upcoming academic year. Specific deadlines may vary slightly each year, so students are encouraged to check Bethel’s PSEO Admissions page for the most current application timeline and requirements.