What is Post Secondary Education?
Post-secondary education refers to any formal education pursued after completing secondary education (high school). It encompasses various types of learning opportunities aimed at acquiring specialized knowledge and skills for specific careers or academic advancement. Also known as tertiary education, post-secondary education typically culminates in the receipt of a diploma, certification, or academic degree.
Post-secondary education includes several distinct educational pathways:
- Universities and colleges offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs
- Community colleges providing two-year associate degrees and certificate programs
- Vocational and trade schools focusing on specific technical skills and careers
- Adult education and continuing education programs for professional development or personal enrichment
- Apprenticeships combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction
Unlike K-12 education, which provides a broad curriculum, post-secondary education allows students to specialize in specific fields aligned with their career goals and interests. Furthermore, post-secondary institutions operate under different legal frameworks than K-12 schools. They are governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, rather than the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The importance of post-secondary education continues to grow in today’s economy. Within the next decade, nearly two-thirds of jobs in the United States will require some form of college credential. Additionally, there is a significant earnings gap between high school graduates and those with post-secondary credentials. Women with bachelor’s degrees earn approximately $20,000 more annually than those with only high school diplomas, while men with bachelor’s degrees earn nearly $30,000 more.
Even partial completion of post-secondary education yields economic benefits. Workers with associate degrees earn $7,160 (women) and $4,640 (men) more annually after 5-9 years in the workforce compared to those who never attended college. Similarly, certificate holders earn an average of $2,960 (women) and $2,120 (men) more annually after the same period.
By 2031, an estimated 72 percent of jobs will require post-secondary education, compared to 66 percent today. Consequently, states are increasingly focused on developing strategies to help more students graduate from high-quality certificate and degree programs to meet workforce demands.
What to Expect in Post Secondary Education
Post-secondary institutions offer a distinctive learning environment that differs substantially from high school experiences. When entering higher education, students must adapt to new academic structures and expectations.
Course Structure and Credits
Post-secondary education operates on a credit system that measures student progress and academic achievement. In the United States, most institutions use semester credit hours based on contact hours accumulated during a term. For bachelor’s degrees, students typically need 120-130 total credits, with each course worth 3-5 credit hours. Full-time undergraduate students generally take 12-15 credits per semester, while graduate students need 9 or more credits to maintain full-time status.
Credits represent both workload and learning outcomes. The workload includes lectures, seminars, individual study, and exams, whereas learning outcomes refer to knowledge and skills students gain. One credit hour typically equals one hour of class time plus additional hours of outside work. Courses with laboratory components often carry more credits due to additional contact hours.
Majors and Minors
A major forms the primary focus of a bachelor’s degree program, comprising approximately 25% or more of the total required coursework. Most institutions require students to declare a major within their first two years. The major appears on the diploma and represents specialized knowledge in a particular discipline.
Conversely, a minor consists of a secondary specialization requiring about half as many credits as a major—typically 18-22 credit hours. Minors complement the main field of study or allow exploration of personal interests. Though minors don’t appear on diplomas, they provide additional detail on resumes and can demonstrate specialized knowledge to potential employers.
Some students pursue double majors or combined majors that focus on two complementary subjects. Additionally, concentrations offer alternative tracks within a major, accounting for at least 30% of major requirements.
Academic Calendar and Semesters
Most American colleges and universities follow a two-semester system with a fall semester (August/September through December) and a spring semester (January through May), plus optional shorter winter and summer terms. Each semester typically lasts 15-16 weeks, including final examinations.
Alternatively, some institutions use a quarter system that divides the academic year into three 10-11 week terms plus an optional summer quarter. Research indicates that the calendar system can impact graduation rates—switching from quarters to semesters has been shown to negatively affect on-time graduation rates.
The semester system typically assigns one credit hour for a course meeting approximately 2.5 hours weekly (totaling about 37.5 hours of instruction), whereas the quarter system assigns one credit hour for roughly 3 hours of weekly class time (30-33 hours of instruction per course).
How to Choose the Right Post Secondary Path
Selecting the appropriate post-secondary pathway requires careful consideration of multiple factors to ensure alignment with personal circumstances and aspirations. The decision process should begin well before high school graduation to maximize opportunities.
Career Goals
Career objectives should be the primary consideration when evaluating post-secondary options. Initially, ask yourself these essential questions:
- Why are you pursuing post-secondary education?
- What specific job or career field interests you?
- Does your desired career require a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree?
Research indicates that 65% of jobs require training beyond a high school diploma, with this percentage continuing to rise. Establishing clear career goals helps narrow educational choices and ensures your investment yields appropriate returns. Indeed, programs that align with employer needs enable students to develop skills necessary for entry-level positions.
Program Length
Program duration varies significantly across post-secondary options:
Bachelor’s degrees typically require four years of full-time study. Associate degrees generally take two years to complete. Certificate programs often require only 1-2 years. Technical training may be completed in six months to two years.
Consider whether time-to-completion affects your career entry plans or financial situation. Students unsure about their field of study might benefit from starting at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution.
Cost and Location
Financial considerations often influence post-secondary choices. In 2022-23, the average annual cost for first-time, full-time students living on campus was $27,100 at public institutions, $58,600 at private nonprofit institutions, and $33,600 at private for-profit institutions.
Subsequently, explore financial aid options, including:
- Institutional scholarships and grants
- Federal/state assistance programs
- Work-study or part-time employment opportunities
Location factors extend beyond proximity to home. Evaluate whether the institution is situated near industry hubs relevant to your field. For instance, technology students might benefit from proximity to tech centers. Additionally, consider climate, local living costs, and transportation options.
Admission Requirements
Institutions maintain varying admission standards:
- Most require high school completion or equivalent
- Many specify minimum GPA thresholds (typically 2.50-3.00 for undergraduates)
- Some mandate completion of specific preparatory coursework
- Certain programs require standardized testing
Public institutions may have different requirements for in-state versus out-of-state applicants. Professional programs often maintain additional field-specific prerequisites. Research each institution’s specific requirements through official websites or by contacting admissions offices directly.
How Post Secondary Education Prepares You for Careers
Post-secondary education equips students with practical career competencies through structured programs that bridge classroom learning and workplace demands. Career readiness serves as the foundation upon which successful careers are launched, regardless of a student’s chosen field of study.
Hands-on Training
Hands-on training programs in post-secondary institutions focus on intensive, practical learning based on employers’ specific needs. These programs enable students to earn industry-recognized credentials while developing essential workplace skills. Valencia College’s Accelerated Skills Training programs, for instance, demonstrate impressive outcomes with a 95% completion rate and over 80% job placement rate. Technical training institutions prioritize qualified instructors and curricula aligned with industry standards and certifications to ensure graduates meet workplace demands. Moreover, these practical learning environments utilize industry-standard labs and equipment, offering students authentic experiences that mirror actual workplace settings.
Internships and Co-op Programs
Co-op programs alternate between classroom education and paid on-the-job learning, providing professional experience in students’ fields of study. Unlike traditional internships, co-ops typically last three to six months, allowing students to take on greater responsibilities and engage with multiple aspects of their chosen profession. Approximately 60 U.S. colleges and universities offer co-op programs, particularly in STEAM fields. The effectiveness of these programs is evident—over half of Northeastern University graduates and between 34-46% of Drexel and Georgia Tech students receive job offers from co-op employers.
Transferable Skills
Post-secondary education develops crucial transferable skills valued across all industries. According to recruiting professionals, 94% believe strong soft skills outweigh years of experience when considering candidates for leadership positions. Key transferable skills include:
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Written and oral communication proficiency
- Collaboration and teamwork capabilities
- Digital fluency and technological competence
- Professional ethics and responsibility
- Information literacy and research skills
These skills transcend specific programs or credentials, positioning graduates for success as they build their careers. Furthermore, 75% of recruiting professionals have terminated interviews when candidates failed to demonstrate sought-after soft skills.
Examples of Post Secondary Education Programs
Post-secondary education encompasses diverse specialized programs designed to prepare students for specific career paths. Each program offers unique curriculum structures and outcomes tailored to industry demands.
Nursing
Nursing programs provide healthcare-focused education with traditional on-campus and online options. Students can pursue RN to BSN, online MSN, or DNP degrees accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Entry-level programs include Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), with median annual salaries reaching $81,220.
Engineering
Engineering education applies mathematics and science principles to technological systems development. Major disciplines include chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering. Engineering graduates earn a median salary of $91,420, with specialized fields like petroleum engineering exceeding $130,000 annually. Engineering programs typically require rigorous coursework yet yield substantial financial returns.
Business
Business represents the most popular undergraduate major, accounting for 18.6% of all bachelor’s degrees conferred. Programs cover business administration, management, marketing, and finance with median salaries of $76,000. Curriculum typically includes business management, operations, ethics, and organizational leadership.
Culinary Arts
Culinary education ranges from certificate programs (30-60 weeks) to associate’s degrees (1-2 years) and bachelor’s degrees (3-4 years). Programs teach food preparation fundamentals, kitchen operations, and specialized techniques in baking or pastry arts. Graduates pursue careers in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and cruise lines.
Computer Science
Computer science programs teach programming, software development, and computing systems design. The field shows strong growth with a 23% projected increase through 2032. Median annual salaries reach $136,620, making it financially rewarding. Coursework includes database management, computer ethics, digital systems, and algorithm development.
Key Takeaways
Post-secondary education is essential for career success in today’s economy, with nearly two-thirds of jobs requiring some form of college credential by the next decade.
• Post-secondary education includes universities, community colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeships—all offering specialized training beyond high school.
• Choose your path based on career goals, program length, cost, and admission requirements to ensure the best return on investment.
• Hands-on training, internships, and co-op programs bridge classroom learning with real workplace experience, boosting job placement rates.
• Transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork are valued by 94% of recruiters over years of experience alone.
• Even partial completion pays off—associate degree holders earn $4,640-$7,160 more annually than high school graduates after 5-9 years.
The investment in post-secondary education continues to grow in importance, with 72% of jobs expected to require post-secondary credentials by 2031. Whether pursuing a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree, the key is aligning your educational choice with clear career objectives and taking advantage of practical learning opportunities that prepare you for the modern workforce.
FAQs
Q1. What is post-secondary education and what does it include? Post-secondary education refers to any formal education pursued after high school. It includes universities, colleges, community colleges, vocational schools, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs. These institutions offer various degrees, diplomas, and certificates aimed at providing specialized knowledge and skills for specific careers or academic advancement.
Q2. Why is post-secondary education important in today’s job market? Post-secondary education is increasingly crucial in today’s economy. By 2031, an estimated 72% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education. It provides specialized skills, increases earning potential, and prepares individuals for career success. Even partial completion of post-secondary education can lead to higher earnings compared to those with only a high school diploma.
Q3. How do I choose the right post-secondary education path? Choosing the right post-secondary path involves considering several factors: your career goals, program length, cost and location of the institution, and admission requirements. Research various programs, evaluate your interests and skills, and consider how each option aligns with your long-term career objectives. It’s also important to explore financial aid options and the job market in your chosen field.
Q4. What types of hands-on experience can I expect in post-secondary education? Post-secondary education often includes hands-on training, internships, and co-op programs. These experiences provide practical skills, industry exposure, and often lead to job offers. For example, some technical training programs have over 80% job placement rates. Co-op programs, which alternate between classroom education and paid on-the-job learning, are particularly effective in preparing students for their chosen careers.
Q5. What are some examples of post-secondary education programs and their outcomes? Post-secondary programs vary widely. For instance, nursing programs offer various degree levels with median annual salaries around $81,220. Engineering programs, while rigorous, yield high financial returns with median salaries of $91,420. Business is the most popular undergraduate major, with median salaries of $76,000. Computer science shows strong growth with projected job increases and high median salaries. Culinary arts programs range from certificates to bachelor’s degrees, preparing students for diverse food service careers