Let's be real—deciding whether to pursue a post secondary degree feels like staring at a foggy mountain path. I remember sitting at my kitchen table six years ago, community college brochures spread everywhere, wondering if racking up student debt was worth it. Spoiler: it was for me, but not for everyone. This guide cuts through the hype to show exactly what a post-secondary credential can and can't do for your career and wallet.
Quick reality check: My neighbor dropped $35k on a graphic design degree only to end up freelancing for $25/hour jobs she could've landed with a $500 online course. Meanwhile, Sarah from my coding bootcamp got hired at Google with just a 6-month certificate. Post secondary education isn't one-size-fits-all.
What Exactly Counts as a Post Secondary Degree?
When people say "post secondary degree," they're usually picturing four-year universities. But that's like saying all cars are Ferraris. Truth is, any formal education after high school falls under this umbrella. Here's the breakdown colleges won't spell out clearly:
| Type of Credential | Time Commitment | Typical Cost Range | Best For... | Worst For... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate Programs (e.g., IT support, dental assisting) | 3 months - 1 year | $1,000 - $15,000 | Career switchers needing specific skills fast | Fields requiring licenses (e.g., nursing) |
| Associate Degrees (Community colleges) | 2 years full-time | $3,800 - $15,000 total | Testing majors before transferring, cost-conscious students | Fields where bachelor's is minimum (engineering, finance) |
| Bachelor's Degrees | 4 years full-time | $30,000 - $150,000+ | Careers requiring licensure, corporate ladder climbers | Those uncertain about career paths (debt danger!) |
I learned this the hard way. Started in a 4-year psychology program, hated it by semester two, but already owed $12k. Switched to a 1-year paralegal certificate at a local tech school—best decision ever. Moral? Don't assume longer = better.
The Real Financial Math They Don't Show You
Colleges love flashing "average salary" stats, but let's crunch real numbers for a post secondary degree:
Earning Potential vs. Debt Reality
The Upside: Bachelor's holders earn 66% more weekly than high school grads (BLS 2023). My engineering buddy paid off his $60k loans in 5 years because he started at $85k.
The Gut Punch: 43% of recent grads are underemployed (working jobs not needing their degree). That art history degree costing $80k? Might qualify you for $40k museum jobs.
| Major Category | Median Early Career Pay | Average Student Debt | Breakeven Age* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | $72,000 | $25,000 | Age 28 |
| Business | $55,000 | $30,000 | Age 32 |
| Education | $42,000 | $35,000 | Age 42 |
| Liberal Arts | $38,000 | $40,000+ | Age 48+ |
*Assumes 5% annual salary growth, 6% loan interest. Age when net earnings exceed high school grad's path.
My Cost-Cutting Tactics That Saved $27k
- Started at community college: Took gen-eds for $98/credit vs. $450 at university
- Tested out of classes: CLEP exams ($89) replaced 12 credits ($3,600 value)
- Worked as TA: Got free housing + stipend sophomore year onward
- Regional tuition programs: Neighboring state had 40% discount reciprocity
The Hidden Application Traps to Avoid
The 5-Step Reality Check Before Applying
1. Demand Scan: Search "[Your major] + jobs + [your city]" on LinkedIn. How many openings? What salaries?
2. Alumni Stalking: Find grads on LinkedIn from programs you're considering. Message them: "Was your degree worth it?"
3. Scholarship Archaeology: Apply to niche local scholarships (<500 applicants). My Rotary Club award paid 40% of tuition.
4. Accreditation Autopsy: Verify program accreditation at chea.org. Unaccredited = wasted money.
5. Transfer Credit Preview: Get EVERY credit pre-approved in writing if switching schools. Lost credits = $$$.
Seriously, accreditation matters. My cousin got a "bargain" $15k online marketing degree from a sketchy college. Recruiters tossed her resume when they saw it wasn't regionally accredited. Ouch.
Career Crossroads: When a Post Secondary Degree Actually Helps
Based on Department of Labor data and my HR friend's insider scoop:
| Field | Minimum Credential Needed | Can You Substitute Experience? | Salary Bump with Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing (RN) | Associate Degree | No - license requirement | 28% higher vs. CNA |
| Software Development | None (certificates common) | Yes - portfolio matters most | ≤15% for juniors |
| Financial Analysts | Bachelor's standard | Rarely - gatekeeping is real | 62% vs. high school grads |
| Construction Management | Certificate or Assoc. Degree | Often - with 5+ years experience | Certified: 19% premium |
Notice tech's outlier status? My buddy Alex got AWS certified for $300 after dropping out. Makes $110k remotely now. But try walking into a hospital without that nursing post secondary credential—not happening.
Alternatives That Make Sense (When They Do)
Before signing loan papers, consider these paths:
Apprenticeships
Pros: Get paid while learning (electricians earn $40k+ during training), zero debt, guaranteed jobs.
Cons: Physically demanding, limited locations, lower pay ceiling than some degrees.
Industry Certifications
Pros: Cheap ($500-$2k), fast (weeks to months), targeted skills (Google IT Cert, PMP).
Cons: No "college experience," some employers still prefer degrees.
When I mentor high school grads, I tell them: "Want to design bridges? Get the engineering post secondary degree. Want to code them? Build a killer GitHub portfolio first."
The Graduation Cliff: Navigating Job Search Reality
Got your post-secondary credential? Congrats! Now the real work begins:
- Resume Hack: List skills ABOVE education. Hiring managers scan top 1/3 first.
- Hidden Job Market: 70% of jobs never get posted. Find alumni at target companies for referrals.
- Salary Negotiation: Never say salary requirements first. "Based on industry standards" is your shield.
Cold email template I used to land 3 interviews:
"Hi [Name],
As a fellow [University] grad (Class of [Year]), I've admired [Company]'s work on [Project]. With my experience in [Skill], I'm reaching out to explore potential openings. Could I buy you coffee to hear about your journey?
Best,
[Your Name]"
Your Burning Post Secondary Degree Questions Answered
Is online post secondary education taken seriously?
Depends. Degrees from regionally accredited non-profits (Arizona State, Purdue Global) carry equal weight. For-profits and bootcamps? Still face skepticism.
How much does college reputation matter?
Less than you think—except for elite finance/law firms. My state school grad friend runs a team of Ivy Leaguers at Amazon.
Can I negotiate tuition?
Absolutely! Present competing offers to financial aid offices. Got $3k/year knocked off by showing a rival school's package.
What if I regret my major?
Pivot fast. Minor in something practical (data analytics complements anything). Worst-case: post-bacc certificates can redirect you.
The Final Word
Pursuing a post secondary degree isn't about prestige—it's a calculated ROI decision. I've seen lives transformed by the right credentials... and crushed by six-figure debt for useless paper. Do the math, talk to real grads, and remember: trade schools and certifications are valid post secondary paths too. Your future self will thank you for thinking beyond the brochure.
Still torn? Ask yourself this: "Will this program teach skills employers urgently pay for?" If the answer isn't hell yes, keep looking. Better to delay than derail your financial future.