University Credit for High School Students

High school students can earn university credits for completing high school Project Lead The Way courses in the high school. The cost is $100 for three semester credits.

For Non-St. Cloud State University Students

Once the credit has been processed, students will need to request a transcript to transfer the credit to their school. An email will be sent when the transcript request can be made. The program the student enrolls in will determine how the credits are counted. Credits are non-refundable.

Generally, credits will be counted as university electives. All credits will be listed as ETS199, with a different section for each Project Lead The Way class. Course content and syllabi can be found on the PLTW website under programs.

St. Cloud State University will accept the Biomedical Courses at BIOL103 for the first course and BIOL104 for the second course completed in high school. These courses fulfill Liberal Education Goal Areas for students enrolling at St. Cloud State University. Contact the biology department for course substitution once enrolled.

Students attending St. Cloud State University should discuss how to count these credits with their advisor.

Application and Payment

The application for college credit is now online, and payment is via credit card.

A grade of B- or better (80%) or an End of Course Exam score of "Accomplished" is required. However, even if a student receives an "Accomplished" score, college credit cannot be awarded if the class is not passed.

Registration Information

Registration occurs during the current fiscal year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) and does not coincide with the dates the class was taken. Registration is for university credit, not for the class itself.

NOTE:  The registration site will be closed beginning June 30, 2025 until July 9, 2025 to allow our system to switch fiscal years. 

What Happens After I Register?

• Your registration will be verified with your high school.
• Once verified, your registration will be forwarded to the Records and Registration Department, where your high school class will be processed into university credits.
• You will receive an email with more information when your registration is being processed, along with a link to request a transcript. You can then request a transcript, allowing up to 5 business days for the process to be completed.

Registration Steps

• Register online.  Closed until around July 9, 2025
• Use a personal email address.  DO NOT use a school email.
• If you have any registration issues, contact Roxann Neu at 320-308-4962.
• For course-related questions, contact Kurt Helgeson at 320-308-3127.

The Deadline for Processing Applications

• If you are enrolled in a college/university, the deadline has passed. Once a student enters college/university, the status changes for issuing credits for work completed in high school. Work with your current college/university to get credit for your high school Project Lead The Way class.

Transcripts and Transfers

The Office of Records and Registration provides information on transcripts and the transfer of credits to other schools. Transcripts can be ordered by contacting the Office of Records and Registration.

Courses are awarded a grade of "S". This grade cannot be changed. Most schools will accept the "S" grade, but some may ask for more information. Have them contact Kurt Helgeson at krhelgeson@stcloudstate.edu.

Graduate Credits / Professional Development for Teachers

St. Cloud State University is proud to partner with Project Lead The Way to develop a program that allows educators to earn graduate credit for participating in and leading PLTW Professional Development Trainings. This credit is available regardless of where the training is hosted, including online training offered through PLTW.

Registering for Graduate Credits

There are two options for registering for credits at St. Cloud State University. Your long-term plan will determine which is most appropriate.

Option 1: Non-Degree Seeking Student

• This is the simplest and quickest method to enter the St. Cloud State University system. It is designed for individuals looking to take a few courses without completing a degree. A person is generally set up in the system within 2-3 days. Complete the form from Records and Registration.
• Additional information is available on the website linked above.
• Note: You cannot apply for financial aid if you are not admitted to a program.
• Once you are in the system, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for courses.

Option 2: Admission to a Graduate Program

• If you are interested in completing the master's degree in addition to the PLTW credits or wish to apply for financial aid (student loans), you will need to be admitted to our Technology Education Master's degree program. This requires a letter of intent and three references (form for references to complete).
• Details on the admission process can be found on our Graduate Admissions page.
• The complete graduate program and required courses are listed on the next page. Additional information can be found on our Graduate Program Information page.

Cost of Graduate Credits

For graduate courses associated with PLTW training (for both non-degree and degree-seeking students), we offer a special rate of $500 for 3 semester credits. This rate applies only to PLTW graduate credits. All other graduate courses are charged at the normal rate. Tuition cost information can be found on our Cost of Attendance page.

Additional PLTW information can be found on our Professional Development page.

For More Information or Questions

Contact Kurt Helgeson, Department Chair
Department of Environmental & Technological Studies
krhelgeson@stcloudstate.edu
Office: (320) 308-3127
Call: (320) 420-2662