Frequently Asked Questions
PSEO & Early College
Get answers to your questions about PSEO and Early College.
What is the PSEO lawsuit between UNW and the State of Minnesota?
In May 2023, University of Northwestern – St. Paul (UNW) joined a group of Minnesota families and Crown College in a federal lawsuit, Loe v. Jett, that challenged an amendment to a new Minnesota law intended to strip some faith-based universities of their ability to offer free on-campus college credits to high school students (commonly known as PSEO).
What was the ruling?
In recent days, the federal judge overseeing our case in district court issued her order, ruling in favor of Northwestern and its fellow plaintiffs. The May 2023 PSEO eligibility law has been ruled unconstitutional, and the pre-existing law from 2020, of which all of Northwestern’s PSEO programs are compliant, remains in effect.
Is enrollment guaranteed?
Yes! As has been the case throughout the litigation, your PSEO enrollment at Northwestern is both compliant AND financially covered by the Minnesota Department of Education. Minnesota high school students in grades 10-12 can apply to UNW’s dual enrollment programs, whether on campus, online, or on-site at partner high schools.
Is the lawsuit over?
The State of Minnesota had 30 days to file an appeal. Since the State did not appeal within that window, the case is concluded.
What does this mean for my PSEO online student?
As was the case throughout the lawsuit, UNW’s online PSEO offering will remain unaffected.
What is the difference between Dual Enrollment, PSEO Online, and PSEO On-Campus?
Dual Enrollment is an umbrella term for any student who is enrolled in high school and also taking college courses.
Online – These students take classes online only. Northwestern is the largest provider of online dual enrollment courses among private colleges and universities in the state of Minnesota. We offer more than 60 online courses in semester-length formats, including at-your-own-pace learning and collaboratively based learning. Our online courses do not meet at a specific time, rather, all course work can be completed within the given course deadlines.
On-Campus – On-campus students have access to hundreds of courses each semester and can participate in many extracurricular groups such as musical ensembles, theatre, clubs, intramural sports, and even intercollegiate sports. Students can take many of our courses on-campus; however, we recommend checking with a high school guidance counselor and your dual enrollment academic advisor to determine which courses to take for high school graduation requirements.
How much does PSEO cost?
The State of Minnesota pays for the cost of tuition and required course materials for qualified Minnesota high school juniors and seniors. Most of our courses offered to high school juniors and seniors qualify for PSEO (excluding Bible and summer courses), and can be taken during the fall and spring semesters. If you are interested in taking non-PSEO eligible courses (i.e. Bible courses, summer courses, etc.) through Northwestern, you may take them through the Early College program.
Additional information about PSEO coverage and potential fees that can be accrued by students may be found on our Tuition & Fees page.
Do I need to be a Christian to attend?
All students attending classes on-campus must agree to and sign UNW’s Declaration of Christian Community.
Students taking online or on-site courses are not required to agree to or sign the Declaration of Christian Community.
In order to receive an associate degree from UNW you must agree to and sign UNW’s Declaration of Christian Community.
Will I be able to talk with someone about course selection?
As a PSEO student, you will be assigned an academic advisor with whom you may discuss course selection. We also strongly encourage you to discuss your course selections with your high school guidance counselor if you intend to apply your PSEO courses to meet your high school graduation requirements.
Additionally, academic advisors should be consulted if you are experiencing challenges. The deadlines are important to keep in mind if you are considering adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses; we encourage you to always consult with your academic advisor first before making any course change decisions.
Do I need to maintain a certain GPA?
Yes – online and on-site PSEO students must maintain a 2.00 UNW GPA and on-campus PSEO students must maintain a 3.00 UNW GPA while taking courses.
Will the courses I take transfer to other colleges and universities?
When you successfully complete (and pass) a college course at Northwestern, full college credit will be applied to your Northwestern academic record. Northwestern is regionally accredited and these credits may be used to complete a degree at Northwestern or may be transferred to another educational institution. We encourage you to check the requirements of the program where further study is planned before selecting your PSEO courses.
What if I don’t successfully complete my PSEO courses?
If you are taking a PSEO course that is required for high school graduation, and you do not successfully complete the course, you may not be able to graduate from high school. Please contact your high school guidance counselor if you have questions regarding potential consequences due to unsuccessfully completing any courses.
Failure to successfully complete PSEO courses (or earning low grades in them) may negatively impact your high school and college GPA, which can affect your ability to receive scholarships and placement in additional collegiate programs in the future. It can also result in dismissal from the PSEO program.
PSEO courses are included on your permanent college transcript; therefore, grades not earned may impact financial aid in the future. Please contact Financial Aid at 651-631-5212 with any questions.
May homeschooled students participate?
Absolutely! Many homeschooled students participate in our program, and we can help guide you through the process. Nearly a third of our PSEO and Early College students are homeschooled. Students and homeschool administrators are still responsible to determine their high school graduation requirements.
May a parent/guardian access a student’s information?
Your student and your student’s education records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA’s primary purpose is to establish a uniform framework for access, review, and correction of academic records at all schools nationwide. In primary and secondary educational institutions, FERPA grants these rights to the parent, but these rights are transferred exclusively to the student once the student reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level (i.e. a post-secondary educational institution no matter the age of the student.) Students who wish for their records to be released to a parent or third party must authorize the college in writing.
The student information release form and other FERPA-related information can be found on the FERPA Frequently Asked Questions page.
Is Northwestern accredited?
Yes – Northwestern is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please see our Accreditations and Affiliations page.
Are there ways to get involved as a PSEO student?
On-campus PSEO students are welcome to participate in college athletics, student clubs, music ensembles, theatre productions, chapel activities, and more!
Online and on-site PSEO students are welcome to attend UNW events on campus, including Admissions events, chapels, concerts, theatre productions, and athletic events. Online and on-site PSEO students may also request a Student ID Card and take advantage of on-campus spaces such as computer labs, the library, and fitness facilities.
Can a PSEO student live on campus?
No – Northwestern does not offer on campus housing to PSEO students at this time. Please reach out to Dual Enrollment at de@unwsp.edu with any further questions.
May I still take classes at my high school or be involved in sports?
Yes! Your academic advisor can work with you to determine a course load that fits with your academic goals and extracurricular priorities. The Minnesota Department of Education requires that students have at least one free period in their high school schedule in order to be eligible for PSEO courses.
How do I schedule a campus tour?
If you would like to visit campus, you may contact admissions to arrange a time to visit. You can set up a personalized visit or attend one of our campus visit events for prospective students. Our admissions staff is also happy to answer your questions about PSEO and Early College. Please call UNW’s appointment coordinator at (651) 631-5126 or schedule your appointment online at our Campus Visit page.
What is the attendance policy?
On-Campus: Specific requirements for all courses, including class attendance, unexcused absences, etc. are established by each professor and are included in the syllabus of the course. In registering for a class, the student agrees to such requirements. Excused absences are defined as those granted by official university action for university-sponsored events, required military service, or verified medical or other emergency. Typically, students can have three unexcused absences in a course before it begins affecting their overall course grade.
On-Site: Specific requirements for all courses, including class attendance, unexcused absences, etc. are established by each professor and are included in the syllabus of the course. In registering for a class, the student agrees to such requirements. Excused absences are defined by the on-site high school in accordance with the university.
Online: Students are expected to participate in all course activities. Students must contact the faculty member in advance or as soon as possible if unable to participate in all or part of the course activities prior to the stated deadlines because of a medical, family, or work-related emergency. Students should refer to their course syllabus and/or faculty member for specific requirements. Students who do not participate in course activities and fail to withdraw from the course will receive a failing “F” grade.
How much does Early College cost?
Information about Early College fees may be found on our Tuition & Fees page.
Do I need to be a Christian to attend?
All students attending classes on-campus must agree to and sign UNW’s Declaration of Christian Community.
Students taking online or on-site courses are not required to agree to or sign the Declaration of Christian Community.
Will I be able to talk with someone about course selection?
As a Early College student, you will be assigned an academic advisor with whom you may discuss course selection. We also strongly encourage you to discuss your course selections with your high school guidance counselor if you intend to apply your Early College courses to meet your high school graduation requirements.
Additionally, academic advisors should be consulted if you are experiencing challenges. The deadlines are important to keep in mind if you are considering adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses; we encourage you to always consult with your academic advisor first before making any course change decisions.
Do I need to maintain a certain GPA?
Yes – online and on-site Early College students must maintain a 2.00 UNW GPA and on-campus Early College students must maintain a 3.00 UNW GPA while taking courses.
Will the courses I take transfer to other colleges and universities?
When you successfully complete (and pass) a college course at Northwestern, full college credit will be applied to your Northwestern academic record. Northwestern is regionally accredited and these credits may be used to complete a degree at Northwestern or may be transferred to another educational institution. We encourage you to check the requirements of the program where further study is planned before selecting your Early College courses.
What if I don’t successfully complete my Early College courses?
If you are taking an Early College course that is required for high school graduation, and you do not successfully complete the course, you may not be able to graduate from high school. Please contact your high school guidance counselor if you have questions regarding potential consequences due to unsuccessfully completing any courses.
Failure to successfully complete Early College courses (or earning low grades in them) may negatively impact your high school and college GPA, which can affect your ability to receive scholarships and placement in additional collegiate programs in the future. It can also result in dismissal from the Early College program.
Early College courses are included on your permanent college transcript; therefore, grades not earned may impact financial aid in the future. Please contact Financial Aid at 651-631-5212 with any questions.
May homeschooled students participate?
Absolutely! Many homeschooled students participate in our program, and we can help guide you through the process. Nearly a third of our PSEO and Early College students are homeschooled. Students and homeschool administrators are still responsible to determine their high school graduation requirements.
May a parent/guardian access a student’s information?
Your student and your student’s education records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.
FERPA’s primary purpose is to establish a uniform framework for access, review, and correction of academic records at all schools nationwide. In primary and secondary educational institutions, FERPA grants these rights to the parent, but these rights are transferred exclusively to the student once the student reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level (i.e. a post-secondary educational institution no matter the age of the student.) Students who wish for their records to be released to a parent or third party must authorize the college in writing.
The student information release form and other FERPA-related information can be found on the FERPA Frequently Asked Questions page.
Is Northwestern accredited?
Yes – Northwestern is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please see our Accreditations and Affiliations page.
Are there ways to get involved as an Early College student?
On-campus Early College students are welcome to participate in college athletics, student clubs, music ensembles, theatre productions, chapel activities, and more!
Online and on-site Early College students are welcome to attend UNW events on campus, including Admissions events, chapels, concerts, theatre productions, and athletic events. Online and on-site Early College students may also request a Student ID Card and take advantage of on-campus spaces such as computer labs, the library, and fitness facilities.
Can an Early College student live on campus?
No – Northwestern does not offer on campus housing to Early College students at this time. Please reach out to Dual Enrollment at de@unwsp.edu with any further questions.
May I still take classes at my high school or be involved in sports?
Yes! Your academic advisor can work with you to determine a course load that fits with your academic goals and extracurricular priorities. The Minnesota Department of Education requires that students have at least one free period in their high school schedule in order to be eligible for Early College courses.
How do I schedule a campus tour?
If you would like to visit campus, you may contact admissions to arrange a time to visit. You can set up a personalized visit or attend one of our campus visit events for prospective students. Our admissions staff is also happy to answer your questions about PSEO and Early College. Please call UNW’s appointment coordinator at (651) 631-5126 or schedule your appointment online at our Campus Visit page.
What is the attendance policy?
On-Campus: Specific requirements for all courses, including class attendance, unexcused absences, etc. are established by each professor and are included in the syllabus of the course. In registering for a class, the student agrees to such requirements. Excused absences are defined as those granted by official university action for university-sponsored events, required military service, or verified medical or other emergency. Typically, students can have three unexcused absences in a course before it begins affecting their overall course grade.
On-Site: Specific requirements for all courses, including class attendance, unexcused absences, etc. are established by each professor and are included in the syllabus of the course. In registering for a class, the student agrees to such requirements. Excused absences are defined by the on-site high school in accordance with the university.
Online: Students are expected to participate in all course activities. Students must contact the faculty member in advance or as soon as possible if unable to participate in all or part of the course activities prior to the stated deadlines because of a medical, family, or work-related emergency. Students should refer to their course syllabus and/or faculty member for specific requirements. Students who do not participate in course activities and fail to withdraw from the course will receive a failing “F” grade.
How do I get my textbooks?
For Online Classes, required course materials will be mailed to your home address after you register for classes. Please note that many online classes will not use a physical textbook, and an online version will be available on the first day of class instead. For On-Campus Classes, required course materials will be available for in-person pick-up at the Campus Store at the beginning of each semester. For On-Site Classes, textbooks will be provided to your course instructor and distributed on the first day of class.
Textbooks provided through PSEO funding are rentals that must be returned at the end of each semester. Students are responsible to pay for late textbooks.
If you electively register for a non-PSEO class (a Bible class, summer class, etc.) you are responsible for purchasing the required textbooks through the UNW campus store.
May I write or highlight in my textbooks?
Do not write or highlight in your textbooks with the exception of workbooks, which you may keep after the semester is over. Since the book is on loan and will be used again by another student, it is important to keep the book in good condition; books that are not returned in good condition will be billed to your student account.
What if I am sent the wrong textbooks, part of my shipment is missing, or the books arrive with damage?
Contact the Campus Store by emailing campusstore@unwsp.edu right away so the correct materials may be shipped out immediately. Please use your UNW student email and include your first and last name and approximate registration date.
What if I need to change my shipping address?
Please email DE@unwsp.edu if you need to change your address. If textbooks have already been shipped, the Campus Store will send out a second set of books to the correct address; however, you will be responsible for both sets of books. If the books are not returned, the cost of the books will be charged to your student account.
How do I return textbooks at the end of the semester?
For Online classes, students may return their textbooks to the campus store via a pre-paid shipping label. Package your books in a sturdy box; use packing tape, include packing peanuts or paper products so the textbooks are secure. Please be sure the shipping label is attached securely as well. Drop off at your nearest post office or send it in the mail.
For On-Campus classes, students may return their textbooks in the PSEO Books & Materials drop-box outside the Campus Store in the Billy Graham Community Life commons.
For On-Site classes, students may return their textbooks to their course instructor at the conclusion of the class.
All textbooks are your responsibility until they are successfully returned to Northwestern. If a book is received in damaged condition or past the due date, it will be billed to your student account. Textbooks that are returned late or not returned at all will also be billed to your student account. Students who drop or withdraw from a class should also return their textbooks as soon as possible.
May I keep the textbooks at the end of the semester?
Yes. However, please know that if you keep the textbooks at the end of the semester, your student account will be charged. You will receive a bill and should promptly pay for any books you decide to keep.
How do I get my course materials?
Students are responsible to find and purchase their own materials for Early College courses. Using their course schedule, students can find a list of required course materials on the UNW Campus Store website. Materials can be ordered through the Campus Store.
Does it matter what version of books I buy?
You should purchase the required version of each textbook as indicated on the Campus Store website. Purchasing a different version than listed may cause you to miss important content.
May I write or highlight in my textbooks?
It is up to you. Some students choose to resell their textbooks. If you choose to re-sell your textbook, please note that writing or highlighting can devalue the book.
At this time, University of Northwestern is not requiring standardized tests for acceptance. However, we will accept any test results you want to send us to complete your file. Test scores can be used for meeting course prerequisites and course placement.
Standardized Testing Guidelines (We do not accept: Practice ACT, ACT Explore, PSAT 8/9, Accuplacer, ASVAB, or MCAs.)
Online Coursework:
- ACT or PreACT score of at least 18 (Code: ACT 2138)
- ACT Aspire score of at least 427
- PSAT or SAT score of at least 940 (Code: SAT 6489)
- CLT score of at least 61
- MAP test with a Math score of at least 235,
- Language of at least 222, and Reading at least 222
- California Achievement (CAT), Stanford
- Achievement (Stanford 10), Iowa Basics,
- Peabody, Terra Nova
On-Campus Coursework:
- ACT or Pre ACT score of at least 22 (Code: ACT 2138)
- Aspire score of at least 434
- SAT or PSAT score of at least 1090 (Code: SAT 6489)
- CLT score of at least 72
To be successful as a Dual Enrollment student, it is essential to understand UNW Information Technology (IT) computer recommendations. These standards ensure that students can reliably access UNW websites, learning platforms, applications, and services used in collegiate coursework.
