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Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Post-Secondary Education

• By Emily Summers
• December 10, 2019

Are you about to graduate high school or have already graduated but are considering further studies for better employment opportunities? If so, then you might have heard the term “post-secondary education” every now and then.

As the name goes, post-secondary education takes place after you finish high school. And while most people see it as a stepping stone towards better employment opportunities in the future, this isn’t always necessarily the case. Also, contrary to popular belief, post-secondary education isn’t limited to college, so if money is a hindering factor for taking post-secondary education, you might want to consider the other options aside from college.

In this article, we define post-secondary education, what it means, and the various options available for you after your graduate high school (or high school equivalent). And then we tackle whether or not taking a post-secondary education really is important in the career path you want to take.

What Is Post-Secondary Education?

Secondary vs. post-secondary education, vocational schools, non-degree students, community colleges, colleges & universities, do i need post-secondary education for work.

Post-secondary education is also known as “higher education,” “third-level education,” or “tertiary education,” which all roughly mean the same thing. Its subtypes that don’t result in degrees like certificate programs and community college are also called “continuing education.” These refer to the educational programs you can take after graduating high school, get your GED, or anything similar to these in your country.

Unlike primary and secondary school that are mandatory for children under the age of 18, post-secondary education is completely optional. It is the final stage of formal learning and leads towards an academic degree. Post-secondary education is defined in the International Standard Classification of Education as levels 6 through 8. Post-secondary education also includes both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

In the United States, plenty of high school students opt to take post-secondary education , with over 21 million students attending after high school. This is because many people see this as a ticket to economic security as having a higher education degree can be the key to opening more job opportunities in the market. While college is a type of post-secondary education, it is not the only form of tertiary education, though. And just because someone has completed their post-secondary education does not necessarily mean there will be job offers lined up for their choosing. Nor does it mean that they automatically earn more than a person who chose not to attend post-secondary education.

Secondary education is more commonly known as high school, but it can also refer to people who have taken their GED (General Education Development) tests or any equivalent around the world. Unlike post-secondary education, students are required to attend secondary school (or at least they are, until they turn 18 and can opt to drop out).

There are a number of people who choose to drop out ( around 527,000 people from October 2017 to October 2018). While it is possible for them to find work (around 47.2 percent of them), they cannot attend post-secondary education unless they finish high school or earn a secondary education diploma.

And while there are jobs available for those who didn’t get to finish secondary school or finished high school but opted not to attend post-secondary education, this closes some doors for them. For example, if you want to become a medical doctor , you cannot enter medical school until you earn a Bachelor’s degree by attending four years of college under an appropriate pre-med program. So, even if you got high grades in high school biology, no medical school is going to accept a student without a bachelor’s degree.

Post-Secondary Institutions

Contrary to popular belief, the term “post-secondary education” and its other similar terms aren’t limited to just earning a bachelor’s degree in high school. Colleges and universities are the most popular choice, but they may not be the most financially possible choice for everyone, especially if you consider that plenty of college graduates in the US are struggling to pay off student loan payments years after they’ve graduated college.

If you’re open to the idea of further education after high school but want to consider other options, here are your possible choices.

Also known as trade or tech schools, vocational schools teach it students on the technical side of certain crafts or skills of a specific job. Unlike colleges where its students receive academic training for careers in certain professional disciplines, vocational school students do job-specific training where certain physical skills are needed more than academic learning.

These are available in almost every country, though they may go by different names. In some countries, there may be both vocational schools run privately or public vocational school that are either fully or partially subsidized by the government for people who want to learn skills for better employment opportunities.

Some vocational courses include:

• Health care for nursing (for people who want to work as caregivers)
• Computer network management
• Word processing application (secretarial positions)
• Food and beverage management
• Fashion designing
• Electrician
• Commercial pilot
• Catering and hotel management
• Daycare management
• Hairstyling, cosmetics, and beautification
• Paralegal studies
• Massage therapy
• Pharmacy technician
• Travel agent

Take note that there are a lot more vocational courses than the ones provided, but not all vocational schools provide all types of courses. Some vocational schools may also specialize in certain industries, so it’s best to do your research on vocational schools in your area .

Completion of any of these courses provide you with a certificate that shows you have completed and trained for the skill of your choice. This gives you a competitive advantage in the job market compared to other high school graduates who do not have the same training for the skillset you have.

It is also possible to have multiple certificates for different courses if you think this will give you a further advantage, such as getting certified for Electrician, Plumber, and Carpentry courses if you intend to work in the construction industry. This also applies to college graduates who think they can get a leg up with both a college degree and a vocational school certificate on their resume.

There are two definitions of non-degree students . The first is a student who attends a college or university and attends undergraduate, master, or doctorate classes but not for the sake of earning a degree. These are people who may be interested in learning for specific classes and want to pursue academic interests but do not see the need to earn the full degree. These can be simply because they want to learn a certain field or who want to add to their resume that they took classes for a specific subject.

Another type of non-degree student are online or classroom programs on specific topics that can be used for resume-building skills or personal enrichment. You won’t earn a diploma, but you earn a certificate of completion. It’s similar to what you earn from tech school, but more academic than in terms of skill.

Community colleges are also known as “junior colleges” or “two-year colleges.” As its name goes, instead of earning a Bachelor’s degree after four years, community college students earn associate degrees after just two years . Some community colleges also offer non-degree certificates and vocational courses, though not all colleges do. Aside from academic classes, community colleges offer other programs for the community.

The reason why community colleges take half the time to earn a diploma is because it only offers the general education requirements taken by all college students. In regular colleges and universities, you spend four years studying: the first two years are dedicated to general education requirements, while the next two are for your specialized classes depending on your major.

Community college can be a step towards employment, but it can also be a step towards entering university. With the classes you’ve taken in community college, you can proceed to a university and major for two more years to work towards a bachelor’s degree. But if you think you don’t need one and intend to enter the workforce after attending community college, you’ll be given an associate’s degree after completion.

The most popular choice for post-secondary education, colleges and universities not only provide bachelor’s degree for high school students, but also post-graduate degrees for college students. Some examples of post-graduate degrees that fall under this bracket include graduate school, law school, medical school, dental school, and business school.

Some people attend post-secondary education institutions like graduate school and business schools for a master’s degree that will give them a leg-up in the job market for higher-ranking positions. However, for other institutions like law school and medical school, you need to enter and finish your education if you want to achieve a certain job role. For example, paralegals may need certification or even a bachelor’s degree, depending on how competitive a paralegal position in a law firm is, but if you want to become a lawyer, you need to finish to law school and pass the bar exam in your jurisdiction.

It’s relatively the most expensive form of post-secondary education, but there are several options on how to get in. There are several scholarship and grant programs that can provide you with partial to full scholarships (some even provide stipends or allowances for expenses like food, books, and other necessities) without having to go into debt. However, a lot of scholarship programs are extremely competitive and are usually awarded to students who show a lot of academic or athletic promise or require the most financial aid.

Getting post-secondary education is not necessary to land a job in the future, nor is there any assurance that getting further education will get you a job right after completing your education. If you feel like none of the options mentioned above can help you towards the career you want or see yourself doing in the future, then you don’t have to take any of them. Unlike elementary and secondary school in your younger years, post-secondary education isn’t mandatory – whether you attend school after high school or after the age of 18 is still your choice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 70% of high school graduates in 2018 between the ages of 16 to 24 enrolled to colleges or universities. And out of the 20 to 29-year-olds who received a college diploma, around 72% were employed. However, 74% of high school graduates were in the labor force (meaning they were working or actively looking for work), while 42% of high school drop outs were working.

This means that regardless of your educational attainment, there will be a position in the job market that will suit your educational attainment. However, depending on what that is, the job market could be competitive.

Also, take note of the salary difference. One of the possible reasons why over half of high school graduates opt to attend post-secondary education is because the average annual salary of a college graduate is over half the average annual salary of a high school graduate – and the gap between the two educational attainments is only growing wider.

However, some people don’t work for the paycheck alone and work because it’s something they want to do or they’re content with their job and the salary they earn. There is nothing wrong with this, especially if this means they choose a career path or job that allows them to do what they want.

Whether or not you should pursue post-secondary education is ultimately up to you. If you want a career that doesn’t necessarily fall under the available institutions or you feel like continuing education will do little to help your career, then it’s OK to skip this altogether and pursue a career or track that you want. But if you want to pursue continuing education but feel like you can’t afford to take four years of college, then you know that you have other options available that may help you.

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Emily summers.

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Postsecondary Education

Postsecondary education , also known as tertiary education, is the education level that follows the successful completion of secondary education, often referred to as high school. Postsecondary education includes universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Postsecondary education encompasses both undergraduate and postgraduate students and usually culminates with a diploma, certification or academic degree. According to the Education Data Initiative , more than 20 million high school students in the United States pursue a postsecondary education every year given the economic security and job opportunities that come with an accreditation.

Postsecondary education encompasses several types of institutions that offer various degrees and diplomas. Vocational schools, otherwise known as trade schools, have gained popularity for the emphasis placed on honing technical, hands-on skills. Students who complete a vocational degree gain job-specific training that prepares them for their future careers. Vocational education courses may include carpentry, plumbing, massage therapy and paralegal studies, among other areas. Community colleges are another popular type of postsecondary education. Students earn an Associate Degree after two years of study, focusing on general education requirements. Many students who complete their postsecondary education at a community college eventually enroll in a degree program offered at a four-year college or university. These four-year institutions remain the most sought-after choice for postsecondary education. Students enrolled in a college or university program may pursue a career in teaching, law, psychiatry and dentistry, among other fields. Depending on the area of study, students may be required to complete further studies—such as law school or medical school—before landing their desired career.

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This is used to describe any type of education occurring after high school/secondary school. While post-secondary education isn’t mandatory, it offers added advantages because it helps students get additional education and develop various skills, which may increase their chances of securing higher-level employment. Students should also consider the salary difference. A significant percentage of high school graduates choose to receive post-secondary education because the mean annual salary of a college graduate is far better than that of a high school graduate.

Students planning to receive post-secondary education can choose from different types of post-secondary education institutions.

Colleges and universities: These are the two most sought-after choices for post-secondary education. Some students attend post-secondary education institutions, such as business schools and graduate schools, to earn a master’s degree that gives them a leg-up in the competitive job market. While colleges and universities are usually the most expensive forms of post-secondary education, several grants and scholarship programs are available that can help ease students’ financial burden.

Community colleges: By attending community colleges, students can earn an associate degree after two years. Some community colleges also offer vocational courses and non-degree certificates. Apart from academic classes, these colleges offer various programs for the community. It’s important to understand that community colleges take just two years to award an associate degree because they only offer general education courses that all college students must take. In four-year colleges and universities, students spend the first two years meeting the general education requirements and the next two years taking specialized classes depending on their majors.

Vocational schools: These schools teach students the technical sides of certain skills or crafts of a particular job. Unlike colleges that provide students with academic training to pursue careers in specific professional disciplines, vocational schools provide job-specific training where certain skills are prioritized over academic learning. While there’re many different types of vocational courses available, not all vocational schools provide all kinds of vocational courses. By completing any of these courses, a student receives a certificate that demonstrates they are trained for the skill of their choice. Students may also earn multiple certificates for multiple courses if they think it’ll give them a further advantage.

Apart from these, some students may choose to receive non-degree post-secondary education. Non-degree students are individuals who may be interested in learning a certain field and want to pursue academic interests but don’t want to earn a degree. By completing such a program, students can earn a certificate of completion instead of an associate’s degree.

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Canada ranks among the top countries in the world for accessible, quality education for international students . In order to understand which program is right for you, first you must understand Canada’s levels of study.

Elementary & Secondary Education

All children in Canada are required by law to attend school. Schooling for children begins at the age of five or six and continues at least until the child is 16. The school system for Canadian children begins with elementary school and progresses to high school (or secondary school). This system is composed of twelve grades. Once a person completes Grade 12, they receive their high school diploma which makes them eligible for post-secondary education (college and university).

There are both private and public schools in Canada’s schooling system. While private schools may have specialized curriculums, programs, and resources, they often charge annual tuition rates for students. Public schools are fully funded by the Canadian government and teach government-mandated curriculums to their students.

A Canadian student only becomes eligible to attend college or university once they receive their high school diploma. If a foreign national wishes to attend college or university in Canada, they should be able to demonstrate that they possess a high school diploma as well.

Types of Post-Secondary Education

Any educational program occurring at a level above the twelve grade elementary and secondary school system is considered post-secondary education . There are a few different types of post-secondary education each with different purposes.

A university is a post-secondary educational institution which is authorized to grant degrees. Every university offers Bachelor’s Degree programs, and many also offer Master’s Degree programs and PhD programs.

A college is a post-secondary educational institution which cannot grant degrees, though there are some exceptions to this. Instead, they usually offer programs resulting in certificates and/or diplomas. In general, college programs are more directly career-oriented when compared to universities. A college graduate may complete hands-on, practical training in an employable skill, like graphic design or culinary skills. Colleges often have courses to improve a person’s skills and employability, such as language training. As well, many colleges have training programs or apprenticeships in skilled trade occupations like carpentry or welding.

Trade School/Apprenticeships

A skilled trade refers to a specialized occupation, usually emphasizing some form of manual labour, which requires hands-on training and formal education. A skilled trade rarely requires a Bachelor’s Degree, so education in the trades usually occurs through trade schools, which are often smaller programs contained within colleges or vocational schools. As well, once an aspiring tradesperson has sufficient training, they may undertake an apprenticeship. As an apprentice, the student works closely with an experienced tradesperson to refine their skills in the trade.

Vocational School

A vocational school may have educational programs at either the secondary or post-secondary level, so it is not always necessary to have a high school diploma in order to attend vocational school. Vocational programs teach students the technical skills required to perform the tasks of a specific job. These programs prepare students to enter directly into the workforce, either in skilled or low-skilled occupations.

While there are separate terms for different types of schools at the post-secondary level these terms mean different things in locations around the world, so a college may refer to one type of school in Canada but something different in France. As well, sometimes these schools overlap, there can be colleges associated with universities, or trade schools within colleges.

What is an Associate Degree in Canada?

In some countries, an associate degree refers to an undergraduate degree awarded by a college or university upon completion of a course of study which is usually two years in length. The only province in Canada to offer associate degrees is the province of British Columbia, where a student can complete a two-year associate degree allowing students to then enter a Bachelor’s Degree program at the third year of study.

Outside of the province of British Columbia, associate degrees are not available, though other provinces do offer one- and two-year certificates and diplomas that can sometimes be transferred into Bachelor’s programs.

Understanding Undergraduate vs Graduate Education

Within a university, there are different levels of degrees. All Bachelor’s Degree programs are considered to be undergraduate programs. An undergraduate program is a more general program of study, focused on a certain field but not necessarily specializing in a certain topic. In contrast, a Master’s or PhD level program is considered graduate education. Graduate programs are usually much smaller, highly specialized programs which emphasize research.

Understanding Certificate vs Diploma

The difference between a diploma and a certificate is the length of the program. Both of these levels of education provide students with training for entry directly into a specific occupation. A certificate generally requires one year of full-time study at a college or vocational institute while a diploma generally requires two years of full-time study at the same type of institute. Some schools also offer advanced diplomas, which require the completion of at least three years of full-time study.

Levels of Education in Quebec

In every province of Canada except for Quebec, elementary and secondary school is made up of the twelve grade system. After a student completes Grade Twelve, they graduate from secondary school and receive a high school diploma. Only after completing high school will they become eligible for post-secondary studies. Quebec’s education system operates in a slightly different manner.

In Quebec, elementary and secondary school is only made up of eleven grades. Once a person completes Grade Eleven, they receive their secondary school certificate. However, Quebec has another level of education between secondary school and undergraduate university programs. This level of education is called CEGEP ( Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel ). CEGEPs are educational institutions that allow students to select a program of specialization which leads to a Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC). In the CEGEP system there are two types of programs:

• Pre-University: These programs are two years in length with the purpose of preparing a student to continue onto a university program.
• Technical: These programs are three years in length with the purpose of preparing a graduate to immediately enter the workforce.

Students in Quebec are only eligible to begin an undergraduate university program after completing a CEGEP program. However, it should be noted that for Quebec students, a Bachelor’s Degree usually requires only three years of full-time study, where the rest of Canada requires four years of full-time study to receive a Bachelor’s.

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Postsecondary Success

At a glance.

• Education after high school has provided opportunities to millions of Americans, but race, ethnicity, and income are too often predictors of student access to and success in postsecondary education.
• White adults are nearly twice as likely as Latino adults to have at least an associate’s degree, and high-income students are five times more likely than students from low-income backgrounds to earn a college degree by age 25.
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We support colleges and universities that are committed to transformation—making significant and lasting change to dramatically improve student outcomes and eliminate race, ethnicity, and income as predictors of student success. For our team, transformation includes having a  student-centered mission , setting  goals  and being accountable for them, using  data  to make decisions, creating a  collaborative environment , and making a commitment to  continuous improvement .

I don’t have a particularly strong appetite for the phrase "When we get back to normal." I don’t want to get back to normal, because "normal" in American higher education is not currently living up to its potential as an engine of equitable social and economic mobility. But I am optimistic that this enterprise can live up to its potential, which is why we continue to invest.

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Navigating the path to a certificate or degree can be challenging and costly. We work with colleges and universities that are taking the lead in implementing innovations that help students identify and get on a path to a certificate or degree, stay on that path, and ensure that they are learning along the way. We focus on innovation in three key areas: digital teaching and learning, developmental education, and student support.

A growing number of colleges and universities have created and/or expanded holistic support services for their students to help improve retention and completion rates, particularly for students of color, first-generation students, and students from low-income backgrounds. Investments in this area focus on equipping more colleges and universities with seamless, personalized delivery of advising and support interventions across a student’s educational journey – including academic and career planning, case management, analytics, alerts & notifications, and engagement.

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We are working toward a comprehensive data strategy across U.S. higher education that ensures efficient, consistent, and transparent collection and reporting of key performance metrics—including and especially value—to enable students, institutional leaders, and policymakers to make informed decisions about the value of different postsecondary pathways.

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Higher education has historically been an engine of social mobility and economic growth in the United States, but as costs rise and colleges and universities face growing financial pressures, disparities in access and success by race, ethnicity, and income persist and student financial aid systems are stretched to the limit—all at a time when our economy needs more educated workers than ever.

Left unaddressed, these trends will leave the U.S. economy without the skilled workforce it needs to remain competitive and will increase inequity. The political and social implications for our nation are profound and unacceptable. They are also avoidable.

Research and innovation at colleges and universities across the country are yielding promising solutions that could increase student success rates and ensure that all students receive a high-quality educational experience that is tailored to their needs, academic abilities, and career goals.

These solutions include technology-enabled teaching and student advising tools as well as systems that gather and analyze data to help institutions improve their performance and student outcomes.

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What is a Post-Secondary Education? All You Must Know in 2024

Postsecondary Education Definition

This is also called Tertiary education, the level of education following successful completion of high school, often called secondary school. It is a higher-level education, and it includes universities and colleges, also trade technical and professional schools. The Post education student usually receives a diploma, certificate, or university degree.

Education is decentralized from the federal government and is independent of its regulation. Post-secondary education is often different from one another, as we have private and public institutions.

While some of the institutions are both small and big, some are affiliation with religious groups, and others can be rural, urban, and secular. Depending on your choice, many options are often defined locally.

This education is an ongoing course of study that provides you with skills centered on a career that allows you to find your career as you develop a wealth of knowledge in this particular field.

What is Considered a Post-secondary Education?

Post-secondary education refers to  an education that goes beyond high school, as the  postsecondary education meaning  comes from its name, i.e., after secondary school.

 Any school that offers certificates for trade, diploma, and college degrees are referred to as a post-secondary school, and many times it can be either be below or above the college degree; it can be the master’s degree, professional degrees, and doctorates.

Any education after high school that is aimed at making the student further to an advanced study or to focus on a specific career.

What is Postsecondary School?

These are schools that offer a program that is on a more advanced level than the high school. The schools can either be private or public, and the schools are available with a variety of courses that the student can choose from.

Postsecondary schools require that you must have passed through high school because being a graduate from school is one of the entry requirements. These schools offer courses both at the graduate level and at the undergraduate level. While some of them might be schools that equip the student vocationally and technically to become fit for the labor market.

It does not matter the certificate the school offers, but the fact you have to pursue it after high school makes it a postsecondary school. Examples of some of these schools are universities, colleges, junior or community colleges , and Technical or vocational or trade or career schools.

Differences Between Secondary and  Post-secondary Education

The course work in Postsecondary college  is always more rigorous and intense than in secondary education. You will have to study more after each class.

In secondary school, your teachers might still treat you and relate with you on the basis that you are still young, but once you start postsecondary education your professors will consider you as an adult.

The subject taught in secondary schools invariably teaches the student the basic things of life, i.e., how they can live, communicate and connect with people with courses such as math, English, and communications. And some students start working directly with a diploma from high school.

While the  Postsecondary courses  teach the student to be thinkers, innovators, professionals, and researchers. These courses prepare them for more advanced responsibilities both in life and in their workplace.

The secondary school students must attend a class every time and mustn’t miss because the teacher will notice, but the postsecondary school classes have a larger audience, so you might decide as a postsecondary student not to go along with classes. Whether you will fail or not, it solely depends on you.

Postsecondary school study is more flexible than secondary school, your choice, and limitless, and you can decide whether you are choosing a thing or not.

The timetable for subjects at the  secondary school in the USA  is fixed, and  the post-secondary institution of higher education timetable is flexible enough for you to plan and decide everything yourself.

The different types of postsecondary schools available are different for different purposes, depending on the student’s needs. Some of them are public and private, while some are larger and others smaller. 

Some of the schools are four years, two years, while others can require more years. The four-year schools offer bachelor’s degrees as the qualification, and the two-year colleges offer the associate degree as a qualification.

Other schools can offer masters, doctorates, and other certifications. So, what are the different types of Post-secondary institutions?

Types of  Post-secondary Institutions

The college is a four-year program that awards a bachelor’s degree i.e., BA, BS, BAFA, and BAS. Some of these colleges also award graduate degrees such as Masters, while others offer two-year associate of arts and science degrees. 

 And the college might be specialized e.g., Nursing and Medicine, or offer a wide range of courses, for example, Liberal art with an emphasis on humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The classes in college are often fewer than in university classes.

• Universities

The university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs and might even have a college of humanity, and professional and graduate studies such as the school of law and the Med school. 

 And universities also have more focus on academic and scientific research , and the classrooms are always more crowded than the colleges. This is because Universities offer associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees.

This type of school offers a lot of courses and programs; therefore, they are always having a lot of resources. Sometimes Graduate students are the ones that will take some classes as teaching assistants for the professors because most of the professors are always busy researching.

• Community Colleges

These are public institutions and offer two years of associate degree programs to students. Additionally, they also offer technical and vocational programs that will prepare the students for their future careers.

The school is generally accessible and mostly accessible by a student who is 18 and above at the time of admission. You can always attend community colleges to pursue a two-year program before you transfer to a college or university where you can pursue your bachelor’s degree program.

Most people prefer Community College because it is often more affordable, and the standard of admission is lesser than a four-year bachelor’s degree.

• Junior Colleges

Junior college offers the same courses as the community colleges, but it’s private and not a public institution supported by the Government.

• Career or Technical Schools

These are also called technical colleges; the school can be either operated privately or by the public. They offer programs that are either two years or less. Some programs might last only for weeks and months, depending on the requirement.

They are focused mostly on preparing and equipping students with the necessary technical and vocational skills to become employable immediately after school. At the conclusion of the program, the student can receive certificates, licenses, and associate degrees.

Technical schools are similar to trade schools, although the technical school teaches the student what makes an occupation work, and trade school focuses on the practical skills that can be applied.

• Vocational and Technical Education

Vocational and technical training provides students with professional teaching and training without a bachelor’s degree or diploma. Vocational and Technical course aims to prepare and equip students for occupations by providing technical and conceptual training with practical experience in a particular field.

This education is mostly for students that are not fans of a four-year bachelor’s degree. Within a shorter period, students can learn the necessary things to make them qualified for their chosen trades.

And the workforce in the US is made up of a larger percentage of people with technical and vocational certificates. In this type of postsecondary education, the program will be in direct alignment with the career.

Some Examples of Technical and Vocational Education:

• Dental assistants
• Occupational therapy assistants
• Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
• Nursing assistants
• Cosmetologists
• Electricians
• Fitness trainers
• Emergency Medical Technician and paramedics
• Automotive service technicians and mechanics
• Diagnostic medical sonographers
• Personal care aides

Undergraduate Postsecondary Education

Undergraduate education is the first postsecondary after high school. This type of education offers a degree as the qualification for the student. It can either be a two-year or a four-year degree program.

The associate is more accessible and only takes two years to complete. The associate’s is sometimes known as the transfer degree because it can either be studied to be used for advancement to higher learning or immediate employment. It is not specialized.

The associate degree is divided into two types: the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science. 

The bachelor, on the other hand, uses the four-year option that is more specialized and has more entry standards and requirements than the associate. They can also either be used to further pursue higher learning or can be career-centered.

Although the program is four years, there are institutions that offer an accelerated option; the accelerated degree allows you to earn your degree in a shorter period. 

There are different types of bachelor’s accredited in the US, but four out of them are generally known, and these are: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and a Bachelor of Applied Science.

It can be studied part-time or full-time, but many bachelor students tend to go full-time.

Some examples of undergraduate Postsecondary Education:

•  Associate of Science (AS)
•  Associate of Arts (AA)
•  Associate of Science in Accounting (AS)
•  Associate of Technology (AT)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
• Associate of Engineering (AE)
• Associate of Applied Arts (AAA)
• Associate of Forestry (AF)
• Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT)
•  Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
• Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science in Business (BSBA)
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
• Bachelor of Administrative Studies
• International Business Economics (BIBE)
• Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
• Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BSET)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Technology (BTech)
• Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)
• Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science 

Graduate Postsecondary Education

This is the highest level of achievement in academics, and it comes after the undergraduate degree . The graduate degree has the highest level of specialization, and it is more concerned with career.

Depending on your chosen program, the duration of this postsecondary education can last up to eight years and can be as short as one year. Mostly for people that are seeking executive positions in the organization or an individual that wants to work in academia or a research institute.

The entry requirement for this education is the undergraduate and other things based on each institution.

Postsecondary education is divided into two, Master ‘s and Doctoral degrees. The former can take up to three years or as short as one year. It is often the next program people pursue after their undergraduate.

A master’s degree is always more specialized than undergraduate education, and it is a point where most people change their careers. The master’s degree offers different types of options, the common types, specialized, and professional. 

The common types of master’s degrees are Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, and Master of Applied Science.

While the doctoral degree is the most advanced education, it is the highest academic qualification that can be attained by the student. The completion can take up to eight years or less. Research is of utmost importance at this level, and it is mostly pursued by people working in academia.

Unlike undergraduate education, it is mostly pursued while working at the same time. Most of the students at this level are older adults and experienced professionals.

The doctoral degree can be professional, research, higher, or honorary. 

Some examples of graduate Postsecondary Education:

• Master of Arts – M.A.
• Master of Economics – M. Econ
• Master of Professional Studies – MPS 
• Master of Architecture – M. Arch.
• Master of Applied Science – MAS.
• Master of Physics – M. Phys
• Master of Political Science 
• Masters in International Economics – MIE
• Master of Public Administration – MPA
• Master of Advanced Study – M.A.S.
• Master of International Studies – MIS
• Masters of Business Administration – MBA
• Doctor of Business Administration – DBA
• Doctor of Philosophy – Ph.D.

 Benefits of Postsecondary Education

Even though post-secondary education is not the main requirement for employment, in this changing economy, a post-secondary degree  will increase your chance of getting employed.

Post-secondary education might not be compulsory and will not be pursued by everybody, but it gives you more chances of acquiring more skills and getting knowledge. 

Another benefit of  post-high school education is personal development; postsecondary education will require that you have intense and rigorous studying, which will, in turn, improve your level of critical thinking.

Also, you will be able to improve your communication skills, both written and verbal. The writings and assignments at the post-secondary level are more advanced, and every assignment completed will help you learn how to communicate effectively.

Most students are still confused about their career choice up to the  post-secondary level . But with different electives and general courses at the undergraduate level, they will be able to identify their area of interest.

As stated earlier, post postsecondary education might not seem compulsory to everybody because there are many jobs you can happily secure with a high school diploma. The time, cost, and effort needed to complete the post-secondary education might be much, but it will certainly pay off.

If you consider the opportunities that being a graduate offers , in terms of personal development , career development, and acquisition of different skills, then you would give postsecondary education a second thought.

Where you have to be careful is, at the point of choosing your field, always ensure it is tailored according to your goal, both personal and career.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is post-secondary education in the us.

Post-secondary includes all education that you can pursue after high school. It is often concluded as a term only for university and college education, but it also extends to trade or technical education and community colleges.

What grade is secondary education?

The secondary education is between grades 6 to 12.

What is considered postsecondary education?

The education that takes place after high school includes universities, colleges, and technical or vocational schools.

What is a private postsecondary education?

Education is undertaken at a privately owned postsecondary school other than the ones owned by the state government.

Is a bachelor’s degree in postsecondary education?

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate study that is part of postsecondary education.

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Education Rankings by Country 2024

There is a correlation between a country's educational system quality and its economic status, with developed nations offering higher quality education.

The U.S., despite ranking high in educational system surveys, falls behind in math and science scores compared to many other countries.

Educational system adequacy varies globally, with some countries struggling due to internal conflicts, economic challenges, or underfunded programs.

While education levels vary from country to country, there is a clear correlation between the quality of a country's educational system and its general economic status and overall well-being. In general, developing nations tend to offer their citizens a higher quality of education than the least developed nations do, and fully developed nations offer the best quality of education of all. Education is clearly a vital contributor to any country's overall health.

According to the Global Partnership for Education , education is considered to be a human right and plays a crucial role in human, social, and economic development . Education promotes gender equality, fosters peace, and increases a person's chances of having more and better life and career opportunities.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela

The annual Best Countries Report , conducted by US News and World Report, BAV Group, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania , reserves an entire section for education. The report surveys thousands of people across 78 countries, then ranks those countries based upon the survey's responses. The education portion of the survey compiles scores from three equally-weighted attributes: a well-developed public education system, would consider attending university there, and provides top-quality education. As of 2023, the top ten countries based on education rankings are:

Countries with the Best Educational Systems - 2021 Best Countries Report*

Ironically, despite the United States having the best-surveyed education system on the globe, U.S students consistently score lower in math and science than students from many other countries. According to a Business Insider report in 2018, the U.S. ranked 38th in math scores and 24th in science. Discussions about why the United States' education rankings have fallen by international standards over the past three decades frequently point out that government spending on education has failed to keep up with inflation.

It's also worthwhile to note that while the Best Countries study is certainly respectable, other studies use different methodologies or emphasize different criteria, which often leads to different results. For example, the Global Citizens for Human Rights' annual study measures ten levels of education from early childhood enrollment rates to adult literacy. Its final 2020 rankings look a bit different:

Education Rates of Children Around the World

Most findings and ranking regarding education worldwide involve adult literacy rates and levels of education completed. However, some studies look at current students and their abilities in different subjects.

One of the most-reviewed studies regarding education around the world involved 470,000 fifteen-year-old students. Each student was administered tests in math, science, and reading similar to the SAT or ACT exams (standardized tests used for college admissions in the U.S.) These exam scores were later compiled to determine each country's average score for each of the three subjects. Based on this study, China received the highest scores , followed by Korea, Finland , Hong Kong , Singapore , Canada , New Zealand , Japan , Australia and the Netherlands .

On the down side, there are many nations whose educational systems are considered inadequate. This could be due to internal conflict, economic problems, or underfunded programs. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's Education for All Global Monitoring Report ranks the following countries as having the world's worst educational systems:

Countries with the Lowest Adult Literacy Rates

• Education rankings are sourced from both the annual UN News Best Countries report and the nonprofit organization World Top 20

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Which country ranks first in education?

Which country ranks last in education, frequently asked questions.

• Best Countries for Education - 2023 - US News
• Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) - World Bank
• World Best Education Systems - Global Citizens for Human Rights
• UNESCO - Global Education Monitoring Reports
• World’s 10 Worst Countries for Education - Global Citizen
• International Education Database - World Top 20

‘Clear reticence’ among some students to report bullying in secondary schools - report

One-third of post-primary students feel it is not safe to express themselves fully in school.

The report, by Department of Education inspectors, looks at bullying behaviour in schools at both primary and secondary level. Photograph: istock

One-third of young people in post-primary schools do not feel it is safe to express themselves fully in school, according to a new report.

The report, by Department of Education inspectors, looks at bullying behaviour in schools at both primary and secondary level.

It is based on survey responses completed by a large number of teachers, school principals, parents, others who work in schools, and by 2,346 children and young people.

It found that approximately one-tenth of primary and special school students “occasionally, rarely, or never felt either a sense of belonging, or that it was safe to express themselves authentically in school”.

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The report identified “a clear reticence” among some students to report bullying behaviour.

While there was a consensus that bullying behaviour was not tolerated in schools, children and young people indicated a lack of confidence in teachers’ ability to consistently identify signs of bullying.

This perception was more prevalent among young people in post-primary schools.

Just more than one-third of children at primary and post-primary level identified discriminatory attitudes towards their appearance as the main reason for negative commentary from other students.

Negative perceptions relating to their interests, abilities or lifestyles were also identified as reasons why they were singled out.

Second level students identified background, lifestyle, and interests as other key reasons.

Chief inspector Yvonne Keating said the feedback, particularly from the post-primary students who responded to the survey, indicated “a need for more concerted action”.

The report recommended that schools “work to enhance their procedures for reporting concerns about bullying behaviour to ensure that children and young people feel able to report”.

It also called for comprehensive audits of school environments and full implementation of curricula that support Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), especially at post-primary level.

Most children and young people in primary and special schools found their classroom-based learning about bullying behaviour to be helpful, but a considerable proportion of respondents at post-primary level did not consider this to be the case for them.

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Jade Wilson is a reporter for The Irish Times

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