Transferring credits in Iowa

Iowa Code section 261E.7(2) (Iowa Code 2026) bars an eligible postsecondary institution from charging a PSEO student for tuition, textbooks, materials, or fees directly related to the course; the only thing the student may be required to buy is equipment that becomes the student's own property, and textbooks are expressly excluded from 'equipment'. The student's resident school district reimburses the college the lesser of the actual and customary cost of tuition, textbooks, materials and fees, or $250 per course. Important exception: if the student fails to complete and receive credit for the course, the student (or the parent/guardian if the student is under 18) must reimburse the district for those costs. Source is the official Iowa Code PDF published by the Iowa Legislature.

Who can enroll. Under Senior Year Plus, PSEO is open to resident 11th and 12th graders and to 9th and 10th graders identified as gifted and talented under the district's criteria; the student must meet proficiency requirements and the course generally may not duplicate one offered by the district. 'Eligible postsecondary institution' means Iowa community colleges, Iowa accredited private colleges, and the Regents universities, and courses must be nonsectarian. Concurrent enrollment (district-to-community-college sharing) is delivered under contract between a district and its area community college and is likewise tuition-free to the student.

Anchored on 16 public colleges in Iowa · verified 2026-07-31.