Minnesota's House Education Policy Committee convened on January 22, 2025, to address the growing concerns surrounding the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, which has seen a significant rise in participation but also presents challenges for high schools.

During the meeting, educators highlighted three major issues stemming from the rapid expansion of PSEO: financial strain on high schools, erosion of academic rigor, and difficulties in competing with the appeal of PSEO courses. The number of students participating in PSEO has surged from 182 in the fall of 2022 to 232 in the fall of 2024, with projections indicating over 250 students by spring 2025. This increase has resulted in a financial burden of approximately $500,000 for just one semester, as funding follows students to PSEO programs, leaving high schools to manage fixed costs with reduced budgets.

Educators expressed concerns that the current PSEO model lacks consistent quality assurance, leading students to choose courses based on convenience rather than academic relevance. This trend, referred to as "credit grabbing," undermines the efforts of high schools to guide students toward meaningful educational pathways. Additionally, high schools struggle to compete with the flexibility and no-cost credits offered by online PSEO courses, which often leads to decreased enrollment in rigorous local programs.

To address these challenges, educators proposed several solutions. They suggested supporting high school "College in the Schools" (CIS) consortia to pool resources and share certified instructors, which could stabilize enrollment and sustain programs in rural areas. They also called for restructuring PSEO funding to alleviate financial pressures on high schools, including capping per credit costs and prorating funding for students who withdraw or fail courses. Furthermore, they recommended refining eligibility criteria for PSEO to ensure students are adequately prepared for college-level work.

The committee's discussions underscored the need for immediate action to preserve the integrity of PSEO while ensuring that high schools can continue to provide rigorous educational opportunities. As the program evolves, stakeholders are hopeful that these proposed changes will lead to a more balanced and equitable educational landscape in Minnesota.