Refers to a wide range of learning opportunities available to individuals after they complete high school. These include for-credit degree, certificate, diploma, microcredential, and badging programs; non-degree or non-credit credentials; customized training; workforce development programs; and apprenticeships (in-person, online, or hybrid —whether provided by a college or university, nonprofit or for-profit provider, or employer).

A related term is higher education which typically refers to colleges, universities, and any education beyond high school that leads to a certificate or a college degree.

The terms, higher education and postsecondary education are often used as equivalent terms; however, postsecondary is understood by many as a broader term for post-high school learning since it often encompasses learning acquired through work as well.