Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Postsecondary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽ“
Add to dictionary

postsecondary

[หŒpษ™สŠstหˆsekษ™ndษ™ri ]

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?

arrow down
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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'postsecondary'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The term 'postsecondary' originated in the mid-20th century in the United States to distinguish education that follows high school from primary and secondary education. As the demand for higher education increased, the importance of postsecondary institutions grew, leading to a wider range of educational opportunities beyond high school.

See also: outpost, post, postable, postage, poster, posting, postman, postpone, posture, repost.