What is post-secondary education?
Written by: Lisa Fritscher, Edited by: Arthur McMahon
Published: February 6, 2025
Whether you are a new high school graduate or have been out of school for a long time, you might wonder about continuing your education. What is post-secondary education, and is it right for you? Read on to learn more about the different options available to you.
What is post-secondary education, and why is it important?
Post-secondary education refers to any educational or training program that you complete after graduating from high school. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- A two-year or four-year college degree
- A certification program in anything from computer coding to forklift operation
- Trade school, such as a carpentry program
- Vocational school, such as a culinary course of study
Post-secondary education can help you learn valuable skills and increase your career options. It may also boost your earning potential.
What are the benefits of post-secondary education?
Pursuing post-secondary education can help you:
- Build career skills: Many post-secondary education programs focus heavily on the real-world skills you will need for your chosen occupation.
- Gain personal fulfillment: Do you have a passion for computers, nursing, or auto mechanics? Pursuing post-secondary education allows you to immerse yourself in whatever brings you joy.
- Feel a sense of accomplishment: Some people pursue post-secondary education solely for the love of learning. Building new skills and knowledge can create a strong sense of accomplishment that can help boost your overall confidence.
Should I pursue post-secondary education?
Consider your career goals when deciding if post-secondary education is worth it to you. For many people pursuing advanced education allows them to:
- Explore new topics. Post-secondary education programs are available in nearly any field you could imagine. Whether you want to commit to a four-year degree or a six-month certification program, there are numerous new topics to explore.
- Start a new career quickly. If you know what you want to do, many post-secondary education programs are relatively short. You may be able to get started in your new field in as little as a few months and earn additional credentials as you climb the career ladder.
- Have fun. If you're more of a classroom student, studying your favorite subjects at a traditional college or university can be exciting. If you are a more hands-on person, a vocational program or trade school can help you work directly with your chosen tools.
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