I remember standing in my high school counselor's office feeling totally overwhelmed. "You'll need a post-secondary degree for that career," she said, pointing at my college brochure. Blank stare. At 17, I barely understood what is post secondary education, let alone how to choose one. Fast forward through three degrees and a career counseling gig, I've seen all sides of this world. Let's cut through the jargon together.
Breaking Down the Education Ladder
Think of education like building blocks:
| Level | Age Group | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | 5-12 years | Basic literacy & numeracy |
| Secondary | 13-18 years | General knowledge foundation |
| Post-Secondary | 18+ years | Specialized career training |
That "post" in "post-secondary"? It literally means "after high school." So when someone asks what is post secondary degree, they're talking about any formal education you pursue after getting that high school diploma or GED. Simple as that.
The Real Deal on Degree Types
Not all degrees are created equal. Here's what you'll find on the menu:
Associate Degrees (The Express Route)
My cousin Sarah knocked hers out in 18 months at a community college. Cost her less than $10k total. These gems:
- Take ≈2 years full-time
- Average cost: $3,800/year at public colleges
- Common options: AA (Arts), AS (Science), AAS (Applied Science)
- Perfect for: Nursing (ADN), IT support, paralegal work
Sarah's now a radiology tech making $65k. Not too shabby for less time than it takes to binge-watch 10 TV series.
Bachelor's Degrees (The Classic)
When most people ask what is post secondary degree, this is what they picture. Four years of dorm life and lectures. But here's the reality:
| Degree Type | Focus Areas | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Arts) | Psychology, History, Languages | Marketing, HR, Writing |
| BS (Science) | Biology, Engineering, Math | Lab tech, Analyst, Developer |
Public university tuition averages $10k/year. Private? Brace yourself - $39k/year. Ouch.
Graduate Territory: Masters & Doctorates
My MBA nearly broke both my brain and bank account. But was it worth it? Depends.
- Master's (1-3 years): MA, MS, MBA, MFA
- Doctorates (4-7 years): PhD, EdD, MD, JD
- Cost reality: $30k-120k+ total
- ROI alert: Only pursue if required for your dream job (like clinical psych or academia)
Honestly? Unless you're aiming for tenure-track professor status or specialized medicine, weigh alternatives carefully. I've seen too many PhDs drowning in debt.
Why Bother? The Good, Bad & Ugly
Let's cut through the college propaganda:
The Upsides
Data doesn't lie. Bachelor's holders earn ≈$1 million more over lifetimes than high school grads (Fed Reserve stats). Beyond money:
- Networking goldmine (my first 3 jobs came from classmates)
- Career pivoting power (easier to switch industries)
- Credential requirements (still mandatory for 65%+ of middle-class jobs)
The Reality Check
My friend Dave has $85k in loans for a philosophy BA. He drives Uber. Not all degrees are equal. Watch out for:
| Pitfall | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Useless degrees | Check BLS.gov job growth stats BEFORE declaring major |
| Overborrowing | Never borrow more than first year's expected salary |
Smart Alternatives to Consider
College isn't the only path. My nephew skipped college for:
- Google Career Certificates ($39/month; IT support cert landed him $58k job)
- Trade apprenticeships (plumbers earn $100k+ in many cities)
- Coding bootcamps (Flatiron School $17k; 80% placement)
When weighing what is post secondary degree options, community colleges offer hybrid paths:
CC Advantage: Start with associate degree → transfer credits to 4-year university → finish bachelor's. Saved my neighbor Jessica $28k in tuition.
Your Burning Questions Answered
Is a certificate considered post secondary?
Yes! Anything after high school counts. Medical coding certs (≈$2k) often beat gender studies degrees ROI.
Can I get financial aid for any program?
Only at accredited schools. Always verify accreditation status (check CHEA.org database). For-profit schools? Tread carefully.
How vital are rankings?
Less than you think. Unless aiming for Wall Street or Silicon Valley, regional reputation matters more. Save the Ivy debt.
What's the #1 mistake students make?
Choosing majors blindly. Research actual job demand on O*Net Online before committing.
Crunching the Numbers: Is the Debt Worth It?
Let's get brutally honest with a cost-benefit breakdown:
| Degree | Median Cost | Median Salary | ROI Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate (RN) | $15k | $77k | A+ |
| Bachelor's (CS) | $40k | $110k | A |
| Bachelor's (Art History) | $45k | $42k | C- |
See why understanding what is post secondary degree ROI matters? Choose wisely.
Final Advice Before You Commit
After advising hundreds of students, here's my unfiltered checklist:
✓ Talk to actual grads - Find alumni on LinkedIn. Ask: "Would you do this again?"
✓ Calculate real costs - Include interest on loans. $30k borrowed = $45k repaid easily.
✓ Try before buying - Coursera has free intros to fields like data analytics. Test-drive topics.
✓ Consider location - Nursing wages in Alabama vs. California? Huge differences.
Long story short? What is post secondary degree isn't just an academic question. It's a financial and life strategy. Whether you pick community college, an online MBA, or skip degrees altogether - make the choice with eyes wide open. Your future self will thank you.
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