If you are a senior in high school about to graduate, or if you have graduated and would like to continue your education, lets say you want to do so. It is commonly understood that post-secondary education refers to any further education you pursue after you have completed high school or the GED level (secondary education).

It will be useful for you to read on in order to learn about the various types of post-secondary education, the differences between secondary and post-secondary schools, as well as why people choose to pursue different career paths after high school.

What you need to know:

• Education at the post-secondary level can refer to any form of education that you pursue once you graduate from high school or have obtained your GED.
• Colleges, technical schools, continuing education programs, and life skills programs are just some of the different kinds of post-secondary education that can be found.
• It goes without saying that a post-secondary education can prepare you for the career of your dreams or help you progress in your current position.

What Does Post-Secondary Education Mean?

As a general rule, secondary education and post-secondary education are usually referred to as high school and college, respectively. Education at the post-secondary level refers to any type of education you receive after you complete high school or after you get your GED. A tertiary education, also known as an education after secondary school, does not necessarily have to be a college-based education. Many different ways are available to you if you want to pursue a post-secondary education.

Post-secondary education institutions include colleges and universities, but there are also vocational schools, technical schools, continuing education programs, and life skills programs. Through these educational pursuits, you can prepare for your desired career or advance in your career.

Types of Post-Secondary Education

There is a wide range of options for post-secondary education, from colleges and universities to life skills programs and vocational and technical schools. The following are some of the most common.

Two- and Four-Year Colleges and Universities

For many Americans, college and university education is a popular option. More than 20 million people enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs in 2024, according to the Education Data Initiative. Most college and university programs last two or four years, but some offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

A two-year college or university program offers different experiences than a four-year program. In four-year programs, general education and theoretical courses are typically the focus. Additionally, two-year programs are more likely to provide students with work opportunities where their skills can be applied.

There may also be fewer students at two-year colleges than at four-year colleges, so class sizes are smaller. Due to the fact that students spend half their time at two-year colleges, they tend to be more affordable than four-year colleges. Students who wish to further their education can choose either a four-year or two-year college.

Read More:  Top 10 Solar Companies on the Market?

Technical Schools

A technical school is a part of the broader vocational school category. Associate degrees and other certifications are offered by these schools. Before you become a full-time employee, you may need to complete a training or apprenticeship program.

Trade School

A trade school is another type of vocational school. For professionals requiring extensive on-the-job experience, these schools provide training. A few of the professions these schools prepare students for are auto mechanics, electricians, carpenters, and medical assistants.

Continuing Education Programs

A continuing education program consists of different courses a person can take. A seminar, a one-time class, an online course, or an entire degree program may be offered. There are a number of reasons why people seek out these types of programs. Taking a class may be a requirement for associates in your role to advance in your organization. Teachers and medical professionals may be required to take these types of courses. These types of courses or certificates may be completed on a smaller scale simply for personal gain

Life Skills Programs

Life skills programs provide opportunities to people who might not otherwise have access to colleges, universities, or vocational schools. The goal of these programs is to help students advance in their education or learn new skills so that they can become independent. Students are taught new skills to enable them to lead an independent life through these programs. They include, but are not limited to, managing a household, traveling, socializing, and bookkeeping. People with disabilities may be unable to attend college and live independent lives because of these programs.