What Debaters Should Know About PSEO At Augsburg University

Looking to level up your learning before high school ends? Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) at Augsburg University is available to you as early as junior year. Learn more about this option and its unique advantages below. 

What is PSEO? 

The Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program at Augsburg University welcomes high school seniors to take college classes in high school, earning high school and college credits at the same time. Augsburg offers a full-time PSEO option to high school juniors and seniors. The cost of tuition, course fees, and textbooks is covered by the Minnesota Department of Education, meaning you can access high-quality, college-level education for free! Essentially, you can think of PSEO as your introduction to college-level learning and college life before you choose a university and enroll full-time.

Augsburg University is home to the Minnesota Urban Debate League office, so you’ll always have a place to stop by and connect with a friendly face on campus. That’s not the only advantage of PSEO at Augsburg, though: 

 

Advantages of PSEO at Augsburg University 

 

1) Small Class Sizes and Personalized Attention

 

At Augsburg, you’ll experience intimate class sizes that are even smaller than those in many high schools. Compare that to regional competitors, where classes can have upwards of 200 students, making it easy to feel like just another face in the crowd. In contrast, Augsburg’s smaller classes mean professors know their students by name, making it easier to build meaningful connections and access support. Professors are not only approachable, but they also invest time in mentoring and guiding students, which is invaluable for any young debater eager to plan their post-high school future. 

 

2) You Can Keep Participating in Extracurriculars! 

 

PSEO at Augsburg University allows students to continue participating in high school debate and extracurricular activities. You can still represent your high school’s team and bond with your teammates, even as you take advanced courses at Augsburg. This flexibility helps students hone time management skills, a critical aspect of success in both college and debate. You don’t have to give up band or debate to enjoy the advantages of PSEO education!

 

3) An Inclusive, Supportive Environment

 

Augsburg University has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ friendly campus by Campus Pride. It’s also the most ethnically diverse regional university in the Midwest. Equity and diversity are core to Augsburg University’s values. Additionally, if you have an IEP or 504 plan, Augsburg is uniquely equipped to provide accommodations and support. With a smaller, closely-knit community, students can easily access services that help them thrive academically. 

 

4) Access to Campus Life for PSEO Students

 

Augsburg makes a concerted effort to integrate PSEO students into the campus community. With full-time enrollment, students get the authentic college experience, including a residential component that offers a supportive bridge between high school and college. As a PSEO student, you can participate in events, join clubs, and get to know like-minded students who are just as motivated and ambitious as you are. 

 

5) Globally-Focused Education 

 

Augsburg University emphasizes career readiness through internships, research opportunities, and globally-minded programming. Participating in PSEO puts you on the pathway to enjoying programs beyond traditional academics, like career counseling through the Strommen Center, mentorship, and even study-away programs. 

 

6) Central Location in the Heart of the Twin Cities

 

Located near downtown Minneapolis and both Blue and Green light rail stops, Augsburg is ideally situated for students from both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Commuting to campus is simple via city bus or light rail. With the entire city at your doorstep, you can engage with the larger community and grow your professional network early on.

 

7) Flexibility in Scheduling

 

Flexibility is a major perk of PSEO. You’ll enjoy the ability to set your own schedule that will optimize balancing advanced academics with other commitments. Having a longer winter break is a unique opportunity to catch up with family and friends, pursue independent projects, or even volunteer before the spring semester kicks in.

 

Ready to learn more and apply? 

 

The PSEO application will officially open on January 2nd, 2025! If you’re interested in being a full-time PSEO student at Augsburg in the fall of 2025, learn more and to apply and start your journey to becoming an Auggie.

 

Need help learning how to apply? Watch this video.

 

If you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to the Augsburg University admissions office for more information!