What is Post-secondary Education?

Sarah_Taufiq · April 14, 2021, 10:25pm

Post-secondary education is the educational level following the completion of secondary education, often referred to as high school. It is also referred to as third-level, third-stage or tertiary education. Post-secondary education includes universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools. Post-secondary education usually culminates with a diploma, certification or academic degree of any bachelor level courses, professional courses, undergraduate courses or any other vocational courses included in the post-secondary Education. In addition, there are special education services, adult basic and continuing education, leisure learning programs, and continuing professional education and training programs.

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Unlike primary and secondary school that are compulsory 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.

Secondary or High School Education vs. Post-Secondary or Tertiary Education:

Secondary Education picks up from primary and continues onward until usually 18 or 19 years of age and deals with more advanced skill sets but still generally focuses on general education.

Post-secondary or tertiary education builds on Primary and Secondary studies leading to increased specialization of skills and knowledge.

Post-secondary Education and employment:

Post-secondary education is necessary for the discovery, proper dissemination and application of knowledge. Countries with better educated citizens are more equipped to deal with new challenges and technological advances. They are able to compete with other countries on a level playing field.
Innovation and economic growth is almost totally dependent on post-secondary education. Skills for the knowledge economy are built at tertiary level. Countries that have ignored the need for their citizens to have post-secondary education have also failed to maintain impressive growth rates.
South Africa’s growth rate is severely hampered by the unavailability of adequate skills. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the lack of qualified human capital hinders growth and undermines the foundation for sustainable development.
Post-secondary education also yields monetary benefits. It is the gateway to better paying jobs with opportunities for raises and bonuses. These monetary benefits increase living standards because a person will be able to afford housing and health costs.
They will also be able to invest for the future. Thus, post-secondary education results in the fulfilment of self-actualization needs to be present in all. It also offers a wider opportunity of career choices. The demand for highly-skilled workers is always high in developed countries.

The importance of tertiary education cannot be over-emphasized. It is the backbone of society and a major driver behind economic growth and personal financial freedom.

Examples of Post-secondary Education:

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

Vocational Schools

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
Plumber
Carpentry
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.

Community Colleges

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.

Distance Education

Distance education is an increasingly popular way to complete everything from a short professional course to a graduate degree. There are numerous institutions offering undergraduate degree programs using distance education teaching methods. Under the distance education model, students no longer attend classes in a classroom on a campus. Instead, classes are delivered from a distance using technologies such as the Internet, satellite television, and video conferencing.

This means that international students can study for a U.S. degree without leaving their home country, though they will almost certainly have to go to the U.S. for short periods of face-to-face contact and study on the campus. Studying for a degree via distance education requires students to have special qualities such as self-discipline and the ability to work on their own. If you are considering distance education, you should thoroughly research the quality of the program, the accreditation of the institution in the U.S., and the school’s recognition in your home country. This way, you can make sure this option is appropriate for your future goals.

Distance education is a vehicle for delivering education to persons whose location, circumstances, or work make remote links necessary or convenient. It is not considered a separate type of education altogether. 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.

Life Skills Programs

Some students may not have the academic and/or social skills to attend four-year colleges or universities, two-year colleges, vocational-technical programs, or adult education programs. Such students may have the need and desire to increase basic academic skills and knowledge, but may have an equal need to learn increased social and life management skills, while also receiving vocational training. Several life skills programs exist throughout the country, offering training for independence. 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.

Colleges & Universities

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.

Is it necessary to get post-secondary education?

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.

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.

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.

Summary:

The biggest question students’ face when leaving high school is what will be next. When students leave high school, they go in many different directions. For an increasing number of students with both high and low incidence disabilities, the next step may be postsecondary education and training. Postsecondary education and training are for students who want to continue to learn in another environment after high school. Reasons for pursuing further education differ but often include obtaining credentials in a field of interest, experiencing life away from home, or securing a better paying job.

Frequently Asked Questions

1- How long does it take to get a post-secondary certificate?

Types

Distinguished from each other by length of duration, the three types of certificates are short, medium and long term. The average certificate completion time is 1.9 years.

Short-Term

Designed to be completed within less than a year of starting, short term certificates are earned in fewer than 30 credit hours and offer very little economic value. The average short term certificate holder on average makes less than 10 percent more than those with only a high school diploma. Short term certificates are the most popular sub baccalaureate award, accounting for 54 percent of all certificate awards in 2010.

Medium-Term

Medium term certificates are structured to last longer than a year, but come to close before two years. In 2010, these certificates accounted for 41 percent of all certificates awarded. However, medium term programs are designed to exceed 30, but not 60 credit hours and usually offer a salary equivalent to employees with an Associate’s degree.

Long-Term

The least popular, these certificates only accounted for 5 percent of all certificates awarded in 2010. Long term certificates have a similar duration period to associate degrees and are at least a two year commitment. These programs are structured to have a duration period that is at least 60, but no more than 120 credit hours.

2- What are examples of post-secondary education?

Four-year Colleges and Universities.
Two-Year Colleges.
Vocational-Technical Schools and Programs.
Adult Education and Continuing Education Programs.
Life Skills Programs.

3- What is the difference between secondary and postsecondary education?

Secondary education refers to high school instruction. After earning a high school diploma or equivalent, many students choose to pursue postsecondary education, such as a vocational certificate or college degree.

4- What is the importance of postsecondary education?

Post- secondary students’ statistics show that individuals who have earned postsecondary credentials are healthier, live longer and are more deeply engaged in civic and community life than those who lack credentials.

5- What is secondary school in US?

Secondary education is for children aged 12 to 18. Secondary school generally takes place in a high school, which is often divided into junior and senior high. Junior high (also called Middle School) is for those aged 11 to 14 and senior high is for students aged 15 to 18.

6- What is the first 4 years of postsecondary education?

The “first four years” refers to the amount of academic credit that has been awarded. To be eligible for the American opportunity credit, a student must not have completed the first four years of post-secondary education as of the beginning of the taxable year.

7- What is the highest form of education?

The doctorate degree is the highest degree you can earn in most fields. Also called a “terminal degree,” this signals that you’ve achieved the highest level of academic mastery in your chosen field, and can work as a professional researcher, a university professor, or in an executive leadership role.

8- What are the 4 degrees?

Types of College Degrees: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s & Doctoral

9- What are the 4 levels of education?

Within this range of postsecondary education, there are basically four levels of college degrees: associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Earning any of these degrees can take around 2 to 8 years, depending upon the level of the degree and the major you choose.

10- What is a 6 year degree called?

A Master’s Degree is a Graduate Degree. The master’s degree is a graduate school degree that typically requires two years of full-time coursework to complete. Depending on the subject, a Master’s degree can mean many different things.

Is a level considered as post secondary education?

All courses above grade 12 of primary and lower secondary education are considered post-secondary education. There are different types of post-secondary education, each with different goals. A university is a higher education institution that has the right to award academic degrees.

What does post secondary education mean in US?

Secondary Education Law and Legal Definition. Post-secondary education is also referred to as the third level of education. Post-secondary education is the level of education after high school graduation, for example:.

What are some examples of post secondary options?

Post-secondary education includes online schools. Examples of post-secondary education are vocational schools and community colleges. Skilled workers, such as CNC operators, often study their professional skills in vocational schools. Higher education can help people advance in their careers.

What is considered post-secondary education?

Post-secondary education, also known as college or higher education, is an optional level of education that goes beyond what is required by law in most countries. College education is one of the most common examples, but community colleges, vocational schools, and business programs also qualify.

What does post secondary education include?

Post-secondary education is the level of education after finishing high school, for example: Higher education includes undergraduate and graduate education in.

What are postsecondary schools?

A high school or college is any institution that offers formal education programs with a curriculum primarily aimed at students who qualify for a high school diploma or its equivalent, or who have completed compulsory secondary education and for which fees..

What does post secondary degree mean?

A college degree is something you do after graduation, like college or business school. A student working at the first undergraduate level is considered an undergraduate student. Graduates already have a higher degree and now have a master's or doctorate degree.

What is post-secondary education level

Definition of post-secondary education This is also referred to as tertiary education, the level of education after successfully completing secondary school, often referred to as secondary school. It is a tertiary education that includes universities and colleges as well as business schools, technical and vocational schools.

Post secondary education account

Postsecondary Education Account (PSEA) The Postsecondary Education Account (PSEA) is part of the postsecondary education plan to help you pay for your postsecondary education. Learn more about PSEA and how to use your unspent money.

What is post secondary education account in Singapore?

A Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) is automatically opened for all eligible Singaporeans. Find out what it is and what you can use it for. The Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) is part of the Post-Secondary Education Plan to help parents save money for their children's post-secondary education.

What can I do with my post secondary education funds?

Read how you can use the money in your higher education account. Your Post-Secondary Education (PSEA) account can be used to pay for your own approved programs or your siblings on your approved list. It can also be used to pay off government loans for educational and financial programs.

Can a parent maintain a post secondary account?

Parents can maintain a high school account for each eligible child. This is part of the Singapore Government's efforts to encourage all Singaporeans to complete secondary education.

How does a PSEA account work in Singapore?

It is administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and is automatically open to all eligible Singaporeans. A PSEA account holder can use their PSEA balance to pay sibling-approved fees and fees (if applicable) for approved PSEA courses offered by the institutions listed in the table below.

What is the purpose of post-secondary education?

Post-secondary education helps students acquire skills and knowledge that they can apply in their future professional careers. For example, an English student could pursue a career as an editor. Medicine student studying medicine.

Is College considered post secondary?

No, college is not secondary education…. Post-secondary education is what follows after high school, including certificates, associate's and bachelor's degrees, but all higher education in general.

How to pay for post-secondary education?

Five ways to pay for begging after graduation. This way of paying tuition is not as bad as it sounds. Loan. One of the most common ways to pay for tuition is by borrowing money. Flight. No, I'm not talking about planning a bank robbery or some crazy heist plan. Sweat. This strategy assumes that the student works part-time to pay for tuition.

Is a level considered as post secondary education definition

Post-secondary education is also referred to as the third level of education. Post-secondary education is the level of education leading to the completion of secondary school, for example:.

What kind of Education is considered post secondary?

What is post-secondary education? Post-secondary education, also known as tertiary education, is the level of education that follows the successful completion of secondary education, often referred to as secondary school. Higher education includes universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools.

What do you call post secondary school in Canada?

High school is called high school education in Canada. Therefore, learning outside of high school is called post-secondary education. Students attend a program to obtain: a college or vocational certificate or diploma (including vocational training centers) from a university, CEGEP or other non-university certificates or degrees. Is the gym a high school?

Do you have to be in high school to go to post secondary school?

A high school diploma is required for admission to high school, as a high school diploma is one of the entry requirements. These schools offer courses for both teachers and students.

Is a level considered as post secondary education for students with disabilities

Additional education is available for students with a disability. Families can help their children assert their rights and begin transition activities as early as possible through the IEP process (at age 16 nationwide, but in some states, such as New Jersey, transition begins at age 14 ).

Are there any post secondary options for students with special needs?

Unfortunately, higher education is not often considered an option for students with special needs. However, only 1% of students eligible for special education have a significant intellectual disability 1 and there are currently post-secondary education options for students with cognitive disabilities.

When to start transitioning for students with disabilities?

Families can help their children assert their rights and begin transition activities early through the IEP process (at age 16 nationwide, but in some states, such as New Jersey, transition begins at age 14 ). Parents and students with a disability can prepare in advance for the transition to higher education.

Are there any postsecondary programs for students with IDD?

The information comes from interviews with parents of adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who have played a key role in establishing post-secondary education programs for students with IDD.

Is a level considered as post secondary education account

All courses above grade 12 of primary and lower secondary education are considered post-secondary education. There are different types of post-secondary education, each with different goals. A university is a higher education institution that has the right to award academic degrees.

How does the post secondary education account work?

The Postsecondary Education Account (PSEA) is part of the postsecondary education plan to help you pay for your postsecondary education. Learn more about PSEA and how to use your unspent money.

What's the difference between secondary and post secondary education?

Differences between secondary and post-secondary education. Temporary work in higher education is always stricter and more intensive than in secondary. You have to study more after each lesson.

Can a secondary school teacher still treat you as an adult?

In high school, your teachers may recognize and understand you if you think you are still young, but once you enter higher education, your teachers will see you as an adult.

Is a level considered as post secondary education meaning

Any educational program conducted above elementary and upper secondary school is considered a post-secondary education. There are different types of post-secondary education, each with different goals. University. A university is a higher education institution that has the right to award academic degrees.

What kind of Education takes place after high school?

Basically, post-secondary education refers to all the education that takes place after high school graduation. While this is often considered a college or university degree, it can also include training at local universities and business schools. Higher education institutions can be financed by the private sector or the government.

When does secondary education begin in the United States?

In the United States, secondary education includes formal education from grades 6 (11-12) to 12 (17-18) for the last seven years. It takes place in two stages. The first is the first stage of ISCED secondary education, a college or university college for students aged 6 (11-12 years) to 8 years (13-14 years).

Is a level considered as post secondary education in canada

A. High school is called high school in Canada. This is the level of education before higher education. All graduate education is called post-secondary. Higher education includes universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational schools.

Is a level considered as post secondary education options

All courses above grade 12 of primary and lower secondary education are considered post-secondary education. There are different types of post-secondary education, each with different goals.

What is the definition of post secondary education?

Post-secondary education includes all the programs you can take after you graduate from high school. Oftentimes, it only ends as a higher education semester, but it extends to vocational education and adult education centers as well.

What kind of education can you get After high school?

Any school that offers business certificates or college degrees and degrees is called a high school and can often be lower or higher than a college degree, such as a master's, professional degree, or doctorate.

Is the timetable for secondary school in the USA fixed?

The US high school schedule is fixed and the higher education schedule is flexible enough to plan and decide for yourself. The different types of post-secondary schools differ for different purposes depending on the needs of the students.

What is a post-secondary degree?

A graduate diploma is a diploma issued by a higher education institution that offers graduate education leading to an associate's degree.
Post-secondary education is any level of education after graduating from high school.
When you are in the fifth year, you go to high school.

What is Private Postsecondary Education?

Private training specialist. This is the entry-level and premium economy class in this series. It is usually used as a permanent reward level for the less skilled roles and as a training level for the higher professional levels in the series.

What does post secondary education mean in them government

A graduate student generally earns a college degree, certificate, or diploma. Education is decentralized by the federal government and independent of its regulations. Post-secondary education is often different as there are public and private educational institutions.

What is a post secondary plan?

This plan includes school curricula, career research, 21st century skills. Provide a comprehensive academic plan for college completion and a career-ready curriculum based on national and local academic standards.

What are post secondary expenses?

Post-secondary tuition means the tuition and fees required to enter or attend a qualified educational institution, as well as the required tuition, textbooks, materials and equipment at the qualified educational institution.

What is a post secondary program?

Postgraduate program. The Post-Secondary Education Program (PSP) offers transition planning and skills training for independent living and employment. Some PSP members prepare for college by gaining work experience at a local community school.

What are some examples of post secondary options for special education students

There are many post-secondary education options for those with learning disabilities. Whether it is a four-year high school, a two-year high school, specialist course, adult basic education, higher education, or vocational training in everyday life, the key to choosing the right school starts with the following steps:.

Which is an example of a post secondary goal?

Examples of Post-High School Goals: John will enroll in the Associate Professional Development Program at ZYX Community College in September 2012. Joan will complete a two-year community college course and earn a degree in culinary arts. Karen is going to study at a cosmetics school for a year.

What are the postsecondary goals in an IEP?

Extracurricular goals define the student's long-term goals in life, work, and study as an adult. The post-secondary education objectives set out in the student's IEP guide the direction in which the school, student, family and all participating organizations should work when recommending transitional arrangements for students.

What are some examples of post secondary options for students with disabilities

Higher education institutions should provide timely assistance and services to ensure the participation of students with disabilities. Examples of value-added resources and services include note taking, American Sign Language (ASL) translators, e-books, open and closed captioning, and specialized fitness equipment.

Are there any postsecondary opportunities for students with Down syndrome?

Families can also turn to funding sources such as Social Security, Medicaid, and developmental disability programs and vocational rehabilitation services. Scholarships such as Ruby's Rainbow for students with Down syndrome can provide financial support to fund post-secondary education.

How does the ADA apply to postsecondary schools?

Section 504 and the ADA require higher education institutions to have a complaints procedure that allows students to appeal decisions about adaptations or disabilities. In addition, each school must have a staff member responsible for compliance with Section 504, Title II ADA, or both.

When do postsecondary institutions need to make accommodations?

Housing idea: If obstacles cannot be easily removed or are not legally required, a public or private higher education institution may need to create alternative housing to provide access for a student with a disability. The accommodation may involve moving the class to an accessible building or classroom.

What are some examples of post secondary options for high school students

You have more options than you think to continue studying after high school. This is called post-secondary education. Earn a two- or four-year college degree. Enroll in a community college certification program. Enter the tutorial.

What are the different types of two year colleges?

There are two different types of two-year colleges: public community colleges and private colleges. Public community colleges have open admission rules. These institutions are mostly non-residents.

What can I do with a high school diploma?

Jobs, community service programs, vocational and college programs can be options for students seeking a high school diploma. Every profession or education has its own requirements, with or without a diploma.

What can you do at a private junior college?

Private junior colleges are similar to four-year colleges, but only award associate's degrees. Associate degrees are also available in a variety of academic fields, including accounting, business, criminal justice, and technical theater.

How many years can you take the Lifetime Learning Credit?

There is no limit to the number of years each student can receive a Lifelong Study Credit. However, a taxpayer cannot qualify for the same student in a year at the same time as the Hope or American Opportunity credits and the continuing education credits.

Who qualifies for Lifetime Learning Credit?

Individuals who have completed only one course are eligible for a lifetime credit. Approved schools are eligible. In addition, vocational and post-secondary schools are eligible to participate.

Who is eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit?

You may be eligible for a Lifetime Student Loan if you, your spouse, or a loved one are enrolled in a qualified institution and you are responsible for paying this tuition. $10,000 is the collective limit.

What is a qualified expense for Lifetime Learning Credit?

The lifelong student loan is a tax credit that helps reduce the tax burden for those who have equivalent study costs for themselves, their spouse or family members. Eligible costs include tuition, textbooks, and necessary teaching materials and equipment.

What are secondary and post secondary schools?

In each country, this term means something different. In the United States, high school refers to high school (or sometimes college + high school). Post-secondary education means additional formal education such as bachelor, master, doctorate, etc.

American opportunity credit

Congress should remove the barrier to drug-related crime through the Budget Adjustment Act or other laws. American Opportunity Credit is designed to empower Americans with drug convictions and college degrees.

How do you calculate American opportunity credit?

Calculate your US Opportunity Credit by paying 100 percent of the first $2,000 of all eligible expenses for each student. If your eligible costs were less than $2,000, claim the full amount of your actual eligible costs.

How can you claim American opportunity credit?

For the American Opportunity Tax Credit, complete the tax credit amount on Form 8863 and file it with Form 1040 or 1040A. Only one eligible credit is available for each student and each fiscal year. If you have two eligible students, you can only apply for one student per year.

How can I get the American opportunity credit?

To apply for the American Opportunity Tax Credit, you must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) for yourself, your spouse (if you are applying together), and the student (if you are a parent applying for your child).

How many times can I claim the American opportunity credit?

The American Opportunity Education Credit can be claimed four times for each eligible student. This number also includes the number of times you have applied for an educational credit from Hope.

What do you mean by post secondary education?