What does postsecondary mean?
Postsecondary is an adjective describing education, study, or qualifications that take place after secondary school. It refers broadly to learning at universities, colleges, and other institutions beyond the secondary level, without necessarily implying a traditional four-year degree. The word is especially common in discussions of education policy, enrollment, financial aid, and workforce preparation. It is frequently used in expressions such as “postsecondary education,” “postsecondary institutions,” and “postsecondary qualifications.” In North American English, it is often contrasted with “secondary education,” while in British English “higher education” or “tertiary education” may be preferred in some contexts. The hyphenated spelling “post-secondary” is also established. The term is useful when an author wants to identify an educational level rather than specify a particular institution, qualification, or duration of study.
adjectiveRelating to or taking place after secondary education. Postsecondary education includes education offered by universities, colleges, and other institutions beyond the secondary-school level.
- Relating to education, study, or qualifications after secondary school.
"She began her postsecondary studies at a local community college."
"The scholarship is intended for students from low-income families entering postsecondary education."
"Several postsecondary institutions offer flexible courses for working adults."
Postsecondary is the term that places universities and colleges on the other side of the school-leaving divide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does postsecondary come from?
Postsecondary combines the Latin prefix post-, meaning “after,” with secondary, which derives from Latin secundarius, meaning “of second rank” or “secondary,” from secundus, “second.” The compound postsecondary developed in the 20th century as education systems expanded and institutions needed a general term for study beyond secondary school. Its components are cognate with English “second” and “secondary,” both reflecting the same Latin source.
How postsecondary is actually used
The term is most common in education policy, funding, and statistics. It is especially frequent in North American English, while British English often uses alternatives such as “higher education” or “tertiary education.” The spelling “post-secondary” is also widely accepted.
Easily confused with postsecondary
Secondary refers to the stage of education immediately following primary school, whereas postsecondary refers to education or study after secondary school.
Tertiary is often used for higher education and universities, while postsecondary more broadly denotes education beyond the secondary level.