MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (08/29/2024) — High school students across the state are returning to classrooms and getting back to full schedules of geometry, social studies, physical education and more. But did you know that many high schoolers are simultaneously enrolled in college-level courses through the University of Minnesota?
The U of M has multiple programs that allow Minnesota students to earn college credit while in high school, including College in the Schools (CIS) and Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) offered through the Twin Cities campus. These programs are available to students across the state, not just those living in the metro area.
Emily Hanson, who runs programs for high school students in the College of Continuing & Professional Studies on the Twin Cities campus, answers questions about these opportunities.
Q: Who are these opportunities for?
Hanson: In Minnesota, PSEO and CIS are designed for high school juniors and seniors. If you’re considering going to a two- or four-year college, even if you’re unsure, taking college classes in high school lets you experience the pace and challenge of a college course and see if it is for you. Students who take courses through CIS are diverse and academically curious. They meet course-specific prerequisites, but it isn’t just about GPA. PSEO students join on-campus or online courses, so it is best suited for students who have an independent learning style, good time management skills and are prepared to seek help when it’s needed. The PSEO application process is competitive, which means the students are good at planning ahead and have a high GPA.
Q: How can high school students take college courses through the U of M?
Hanson: Planning ahead is important! Ask your counselors, teachers and older classmates what opportunities are available.
CIS Classes are taught at your high school by your teachers everywhere from Ely in the northeast down to Pipestone in the southwest. Because these classes are already part of your school curriculum, you can register like any other class if you meet the prerequisites. There are a wide variety of CIS courses on subjects like college-level math, creative problem solving, animal science and more. Different courses are taught at different schools based on need and interest.
PSEO students can take college courses taught by college faculty alongside U of M students in person or online. The U of M Twin Cities PSEO program requires you to submit an application the year before you want to participate, so don’t miss the deadline in early spring. Your school counselor will be able to provide additional information on the application process.
Q: What are the developmental benefits of taking college courses while in high school?
Hanson: There are so many benefits for high school students — studies show that students who take college courses while still in high school are more likely to finish high school, enroll in college and stay in school longer.
Students can take a lot of courses that help them advance their college or career plans or they can take one course in a subject they’re interested in or curious about. Either way, students are completing college assignments and earning college credits, so they’re learning about how to be a college student, setting them up for success in the years to come.
High school students who take college courses through the U of M Twin Cities have access to University resources like the U Libraries, Disability Resource Center, Center for Writing and other in-person and online support services. Learning to use college resources early helps students build independence in their education and know how to get support when they need it.
Q: Are there any other benefits?
Hanson: Established in 1985 through Minnesota legislation, certain costs, like tuition, books and other resources, are covered for students and have been for nearly forty years. In both PSEO and CIS, you begin earning credits that show up on your U of M transcript. Even if you don’t plan to attend the U of M, the credits are valuable because they are highly transferable. That doesn’t just save money; it also saves time. Your credits might fulfill liberal education or writing intensive requirements, or give you a head start as you progress in your major. Sometimes it means you can graduate early, but it could also mean having time in your schedule to explore other majors, add a minor, study abroad or to take an internship. Those things can have lifelong benefits.
Q: What is the impact of these programs across the state?
Hanson: Each year the impact is huge, as hundreds of students are admitted to PSEO and take courses at the U of M Twin Cities. And thousands of students take U of M Twin Cities courses through CIS without leaving their high school campus.
Also, each of the U of M’s five system campuses offer college opportunities for high school students. More than 240 high schools have students earning U of M credits systemwide. These credits provided a $40M value in the 2023–24 academic year alone. With over 75,000 college credits earned each year, these programs help schools expand college course access and meet their student’s diverse needs.
Emily Hanson is a program director in the College of Continuing & Professional Studies at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In this position, she nurtures partnerships that form a bridge between secondary and post-secondary education. She is engaged in statewide and national efforts to increase equity and participation in dual enrollment programs, as well as at the U of M.
About the College of Continuing and Professional Studies
Established in 1913, the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) empowers lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals through professional courses, applied and individualized degrees and other academic pathways. With values that include Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration and Excellence, the College pursues a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds and identities are embraced.
About “Talking...with U of M”
“Talking...with U of M” is a resource whereby University of Minnesota faculty answer questions on current and other topics of general interest. Feel free to republish this content. If you would like to schedule an interview with the faculty member or have topics you’d like the University of Minnesota to explore for future “Talking...with U of M,” please contact University Public Relations at [emailprotected].
