A new kind of student

--Andrea Jackley

Lisa Swanson is a motivated student. A senior at Zimmerman High School , she plays varsity basketball and softball in her spare time, which isn’t much. In addition, Swanson is now taking classes at Saint Cloud State University that will help her obtain a degree in communications studies.

Swanson is part of a program designed by the Minnesota Department of Education called Post Secondary Enrollment Options. PSEO enables young students to take college courses that will earn them high school credits and, at the school’s discretion, credits at any of the participating higher education institutions.

When asked why she chose Saint Cloud State , Swanson explained the school offered a course of study “that fit my appeal.” She based her decision on factors that most prospective college students do: location, cost and programs. She drives the 32 miles from her home in Big Lake three times a week to take classes.

“I don’t mind the driving—the only problem I’ve had is [we] couldn’t find any classes at first. PSEO gets last pick,” said Swanson.

PSEO participants can only register for classes after all enrolled students at the institution have had their pick. While the students are encouraged to take classes in the 100 level, or easiest level of difficulty, they are only restricted from 300 level classes and above. Swanson currently takes classes that are considered “core,” or general education classes by Saint Cloud State , like Introduction to Psychology and Environmental Science.

Finances are a big motivation for students to get involved in PSEO. Swanson estimates that, after the two semesters she will complete at Saint Cloud State , PSEO has saved her approximately $5,000 in tuition costs, fees and book expenses.

“It has definitely been worth it. I wish I would have known about it last year, but either way it’s saving me a lot of money,” said Swanson.

While PSEO is a great opportunity to high school students, it isn’t available to everyone. According to Swanson, junior high school students have to earn grade point averages that rank in the top quarter of their class to be eligible, and seniors have to earn GPAs in the top half of their class. Swanson started PSEO at Saint Cloud State last fall.