High school-aged students with backpacks depart a building on Drake's campus after participating in a post-secondary course

Post-Secondary and Dual Enrollment Options

With class arranged in a casual circle, one Drake student gestures while explaining a concept to their fellow classmatesUnlock Greater Opportunities

Access educational experiences that challenge you, spark your growth, and expand your horizons. Explore new areas and uncover hidden passions. Earn college credits while still in high school, saving time and money while preparing to step confidently into what’s next. It’s all possible through dual (or joint) enrollment courses at Drake University, offered under the Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act.

What is the Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Act?

The Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act was created to give high school students access to college courses and advance their learning beyond their immediate classroom. Enrolling in Drake University’s dual or joint enrollment courses provides you with valuable academic experience and college credit that can be transferred to most colleges or universities, including our own institution.

Eligibility Criteria

Interested in registering for PSEO classes at Drake? Find out below if you’re eligible.

9th and 10th Grade Students

Ninth or 10th grade students are eligible to enroll in the program if their school district’s criteria identify them as gifted and talented.

11th and 12th Grade Students

Eleventh and 12th grade students enrolled in public or Iowa-accredited nonpublic schools are eligible to register for PSEO classes. Learn more about how this works and review eligibility requirements.

How to Apply

To get a head start on your future, carefully read each section below to understand the application process.

Review Drake’s Schedule of Classes

Review the class schedule before you submit your application. Courses numbered 001-099 are first-year/sophomore level and those numbered 100-199 are junior/senior level. You must meet any prerequisite or registration restrictions for a course or have instructor approval before you register.

PSEO Application

For this brief application, you’ll need to include possible courses and coordinating CRNs (course registration numbers). See the section on the class schedule below, and get signatures from a parent/guardian and your school guidance counselor.

Non-Degree Seeking Student Registration

Use this form to register if your school or district won’t be paying for your courses through the PSEO Act.

Signing Up for Classes

Registration begins about two weeks prior to the start of each semester. Here’s what you need to do.

Registration Begins

As a PSEO student, you’ll be able to register beginning two weeks before the start of each semester.

Schedule a Registration Appointment

You’ll register during an appointment scheduled one to two weeks before each semester starts. Schedule your appointment with Grace Wenzel at (515) 271-2091 or grace.wenzel@drake.edu. You’re encouraged to submit your PSEO registration form ahead of time to Grace’s email address.

Select Courses

Your registration form should include at least four classes that interest you, ranked in order of preference. Full-time Drake students get priority in registration, so some classes may be filled. We’ll let you know about the availability of your requested courses two weeks before the semester begins.

The Benefits of Dual/Joint Enrollment and Post-Secondary Registration

Dual or joint enrollment courses offer a host of benefits both now and for your future.

Save Money

You won’t pay any tuition for PSEO courses at Drake. If you took the same courses as a college student, they could cost you thousands of dollars, depending on the university. So getting those credits now is an incredible value.

Save Time

Getting a college degree always requires a certain number of credits. With dual or joint enrollment courses, you’ll enter college with some of those credits already earned. That means you can graduate sooner.

Explore Your Interests

Deciding on your college major and career direction can be a challenge. Dual or joint enrollment courses open your mind to new possibilities while you’re still in high school, helping you find your fit.

Increase Flexibility

Dual or joint enrollment courses can satisfy some of your requirements when you get to college, so you can pursue your passions sooner or continue expanding your boundaries. You’ll have extra room to take courses that interest you, add a minor, or free up time for extracurricular activities.

Prepare for College

Enter college ahead of the game. You’ll grow your study skills, time management abilities, and confidence in college-level work. College courses on your transcript will also show admission staff that you’re ready to excel at the next level.

Take the Next Step

Drake is where the whole world unfolds before you, so embrace the possibilities and enrich your future. Register today to take advantage of our post-secondary enrollment courses.

A professor helps a student better understand a concept, both wearing Drake sweatshirts while in front of a laptop