Get a Head Start on Your Degree

Through Minnesota’s Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders can take college courses. Not only will you earn college credits while still in high school, but Northwest Technical College sets you up for success in high-demand, high-skill careers.

That means you can graduate high school already on the fast track to your dream career —saving time and money. NTC’s PSEO program lets you jumpstart your education with no tuition or book costs, giving you a valuable advantage!

Students sitting in the NTC library, having a conversation

Eligibility and Documentation

Students must have a minimum 2.5 high school GPA and must be one of the following:

  • 10th Grader | One course during first semester
  • 11th Grader | Must be in top 30% of graduating class
  • 12th Grader | Must be in top 50% of graduating class

To enroll, students must complete the following:

Parental Assistance

Family participation is required for NTC’s PSEO program as families have to agree to expectations and sign the PSEO Family Agreement form.

Parents/guardians should not expect to be given access to their student’s record and information unless the student elects to sign the Release of Information form found in the original PSEO packet. See your admissions representative with questions.

Deadlines

Fall | May 30

Spring | December 1

Contact

Please feel free to reach out to our Admissions Office with any questions about PSEO. We are happy to help you get started!

Admissions Office phone: (218) 333-6600
Admissions Office email: admissions@ntcmn.edu

Commitment to Communication

Students should plan to meet with their NTC PSEO representative in person once per semester to register and submit necessary paperwork.

Additionally, stay in contact with your high school to ensure you are meeting your graduation requirements.

Why enroll in PSEO? Talented and motivated high school students who are capable of handling college-level work have the opportunity to challenge themselves while completing their high school graduation requirements. Not only will you grow intellectually, you will signal to future schools and employers that you are smart, hard-working and ambitious.

Four students standing in the NTC courtyard among blooming flowers

Life as a PSEO Student on Campus

NTC’s staff and faculty are not aware what type of student you are unless you share that yourself.

NTC’s classrooms, lounges, study areas, computers, and cafeteria are all open to PSEO students. Also, PSEO students are free to join student government, clubs, and all activities on campus.

PSEO Coursework and Programs

The Post Secondary Education Option program mandates that students only take courses during fall semester (late August through mid December) and spring semester (January through early May). Summer courses are not available to PSEO students.

We do offer online courses for PSEO students in the fall and spring semesters.

Textbooks

Required books for classes are paid for by the PSEO system.

Students have to get the books in person at the NTC bookstore, and return them in good condition to the bookstore at the end of the semester.

Technical Program Completion

PSEO students can take almost all our technical programs. The only exception is Dental Assisting.

Students must meet requirements for high school graduation while completing courses as a PSEO student. Students will need to do that communication with their home high school during their time at NTC in the PSEO program.

In order to enter our competitive nursing program, PSEO students have to complete prerequisite courses and the admission process – the same as any student attempting to gain admission to one of our nursing programs.

Students have to be 18 years of age to sit for the nursing NCLEX Board Exams and the Cosmetology License Exam.

NTC’s PSEO Eligible Programs

  • Accounting – AAS, AS & Cert
  • Accounting Clerk – Dip
  • Administrative Business Specialist – Cert
  • Automotive Service & Performance – Dip
  • Business Foundations – Cert & Dip
  • Business – AS
  • Community Health Worker – Cert
  • Cosmetology – Dip*
  • Early Childhood Education – AAS & AS
  • Early Childhood – Cert
  • Electrical Construction – AAS & Dip
  • Gerontology – Cert
  • Health Science Broad Field – AS
  • Healthcare Admin Support – Dip
  • Healthcare Admin Leadership – AS
  • HART – Dip & AAS
  • Human Resources – Cert
  • Management & Entrepreneurship – Cert
  • Medical Coding – Cert, Dip & AAS
  • Nursing – Traditional RN – AS^
  • Practical Nursing – Dip^
  • Plumbing Technology – Dip
  • Sales, Marketing & Management – AAS, Dip & Cert

*Students are not eligible to sit for their Cosmetology Boards Exam until they at 18yrs old.

^Nursing programs at NTC have separate requirements and application process. Students are not eligible to sit for the NCLEX until they are 18yrs old.

Accessibility and Accommodations

NTC’s Accessibility and Accommodations Services office is available for students attending NTC through the PSEO program.

Students are expected to initiate and attend any meetings with Accessibility staff. Your PSEO admissions rep will provide you with contact information.

Accessibility and accommodations often look different at the college level when compared to the K-12 system.