postsecondary

American

[pohst-sek-uhn-der-ee] / ˈpoʊstˈsɛk ənˌdɛr i /

Or post-secondary

adjective

of or relating to education beyond high school.

She completed her postsecondary education at a two-year college.
Students can begin coursework in aircraft maintenance at the high school level and complete it at a post-secondary institution.

Etymology

Origin of postsecondary

First recorded in 1920–25; post- ( def. ) + secondary ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The way forward is clear: America needs clear career pathways, postsecondary programs that are aligned with demand and transparent data systems that help students and employers alike make informed decisions.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Right now, federal spending on postsecondary workforce development — which totaled $28.2 billion last year — is largely detached from measurable results.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 7, 2026

Two-thirds of graduates pursue postsecondary education, per a 2022 book published by the institute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

Education Department pressuring colleges to improve graduation rates, it should be no surprise that grade inflation has followed students into postsecondary school.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024

Between secondary and higher technical schools fall the advanced technicums, which function on a postsecondary level.

From Area Handbook for Bulgaria by Baluyut, Violeta D.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023