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.

---

Etymology

Origin of postsecondary

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

Example Sentences

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

Direct admission by itself does not resolve the other reasons students forgo college, however, said James Murphy, director of postsecondary policy at the nonprofit Education Reform Now.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

Most people go to college to improve their financial prospects, though there are other benefits to attending a postsecondary institution.

From New York Times • Mar. 1, 2024

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