Postsecondary: meaning, definitions and examples

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postsecondary

 

[ˌpəʊstˈsekəndəri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

education

Relating to education beyond high school, especially at a college or university level.

Synonyms

college-level, higher education, university-level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
postsecondary

Used in general contexts to refer to any education after high school, which includes colleges, universities, and vocational training programs.

  • She is considering various postsecondary options, including technical schools and community colleges.
  • Postsecondary education is essential for career advancement in many fields.
higher education

Refers broadly to education provided by universities, colleges, and other institutions that award academic degrees or professional certifications.

  • She decided to pursue higher education to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor.
  • Higher education institutions are facing significant challenges due to the pandemic.
college-level

Typically used when referring to the difficulty or complexity of the material or coursework that is equivalent to what is taught in colleges.

  • The textbook offers college-level content that is suitable for advanced high school students.
  • He took a college-level physics course while still in high school.
university-level

Specifically refers to coursework, studies, or programs that are conducted at a university. It often emphasizes academic rigor.

  • He was looking for university-level classes in computer science.
  • Her research is published in a university-level journal.

Examples of usage

  • Postsecondary education is essential for many career paths.
  • She plans to pursue a postsecondary degree in computer science.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term combines 'post-', meaning after, and 'secondary', which refers to the second stage of education, typically high school.
  • It first gained popularity in the late 20th century as more options for education beyond high school emerged.

Historical Context

  • The concept of postsecondary education has existed for centuries, with universities forming in the Middle Ages.
  • In the U.S., the Morrill Act of 1862 provided land to establish colleges focused on agriculture and mechanic arts, expanding postsecondary access.

Current Trends

  • Increasingly, students are choosing community colleges and online programs as flexible alternatives to traditional universities.
  • In many countries, vocational training has become a popular postsecondary option, preparing students for specific careers in fields like healthcare and technology.

Global Perspective

  • In Finland, postsecondary education remains free for students, emphasizing equal opportunity for all.
  • Countries like Germany offer dual education systems, where students split their time between classroom studies and practical work experience.

Impact on Society

  • Higher levels of postsecondary education are correlated with lower unemployment rates, demonstrating the value of continued education.
  • Access to postsecondary education is seen as a key factor in elevating communities and reducing poverty.

Translations

Translations of the word "postsecondary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pós-secundário

🇮🇳 उच्च माध्यमिक

🇩🇪 nachsekundär

🇮🇩 pascasekolah menengah

🇺🇦 післяшкільний

🇵🇱 ponadgimnazjalny

🇯🇵 高等教育

🇫🇷 postsecondaire

🇪🇸 postsecundario

🇹🇷 ortaöğretim sonrası

🇰🇷 고등 교육

🇸🇦 ما بعد الثانوي

🇨🇿 postsekundární

🇸🇰 postsekundárny

🇨🇳 中等教育后

🇸🇮 postsekundarno

🇮🇸 framhaldsskólastig

🇰🇿 орта білімнен кейінгі

🇬🇪 საშუალო სკოლის შემდგომი

🇦🇿 orta təhsildən sonra

🇲🇽 postsecundario