postsecondary

American  

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

Or post-secondary

adjective

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of postsecondary

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

Example Sentences

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

Recent analysis of postsecondary enrollment trends finds exactly this: The institutions losing students are concentrated among the lowest-value-add colleges.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 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

“We’ve seen an exponential rise in college tuition and fees over the past two decades that has caused folks to think of whether a postsecondary education is worth it,” Itzkowitz said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2025

A little over two years ago, I signed into law on the same day two major bills—one benefiting elementary and secondary education and the other, postsecondary education.

From State of the Union Address by Carter, Jimmy