Higher Education
The system of post-secondary education in the US, described by JD Vance as 'broken' for promoting social conformity over free thinking and failing to align with workforce needs.
entitydetail.created_at
7/12/2025, 5:36:13 AM
entitydetail.last_updated
7/26/2025, 6:57:33 AM
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7/12/2025, 5:42:27 AM
Summary
Higher education, also known as tertiary or post-secondary education, encompasses all learning pursuits beyond secondary school, typically leading to certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees. It is provided by a diverse range of institutions including universities, colleges, and vocational schools, covering both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, as well as higher vocational and specialized education. Recognized by the World Bank as crucial for workforce competitiveness in an increasingly technology-driven labor market, higher education is also seen to lead to better job opportunities, higher income, and enhanced cognitive and communication skills. However, its viability has recently faced critique, notably from the White House, which has reportedly threatened funding cuts and legal action against institutions like Harvard, contrasting them with alternative educational models such as the Teal Fellows Program.
Referenced in 2 Documents
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Scope
Includes undergraduate and postgraduate education, as well as higher vocational education.
Synonyms
Tertiary education, Post-secondary education
Definition
Educational level following the completion of secondary education, generally culminating in certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees.
Typical Entrance Age
About 18 years
Basic Entrance Requirement
Completion of secondary education
International Classification
Levels 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the 2011 International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) structure
Economic Benefit (Lifetime Earnings)
On average, a person with a bachelor's degree will make $765,000 more in their lifetime than someone with no degree.
Non-degree Tertiary Education Terminology
Sometimes referred to as further education or continuing education
Return on Investment (ROI) for College Degree (2020)
Estimated to be 13.5% to 35.9%.
Timeline
- The World Bank's 2019 World Development Report on the future of work argues that tertiary education is becoming even more relevant for workers to compete in the labor market due to the increasing role of technology. (Source: Wikipedia)
2019
- The White House, influenced by Donald Trump, is escalating pressure on Harvard, threatening funding cuts and legal action, which serves as a broader critique of higher education's viability. (Source: related_documents)
Ongoing
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaTertiary education
Tertiary education (higher education, or post-secondary education) is the educational level following the completion of secondary education. The World Bank defines tertiary education as including universities, colleges, and vocational schools. Higher education is taken to include undergraduate and postgraduate education, while vocational education beyond secondary education is known as further education in the United Kingdom, or included under the category of continuing education in the United States. Tertiary education generally culminates in the receipt of certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees. Higher education represents levels 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the 2011 version of the International Standard Classification of Education structure. Tertiary education at a nondegree level is sometimes referred to as further education or continuing education as distinct from higher education. UNESCO stated that tertiary education focuses on learning endeavors in specialized fields. It includes academic and higher vocational education. The World Bank's 2019 World Development Report on the future of work argues that given the future of work and the increasing role of technology in value chains, tertiary education is becoming even more relevant for workers to compete in the labor market.
Web Search Results
- Higher education | Definition, Degrees, History, & Goals | Britannica
higher education, any of various types of education given in postsecondary institutions of learning and usually affording, at the end of a course of study, a named degree, diploma, or certificate of higher studies. Higher-educational institutions include not only universities and colleges but also various professional schools that provide preparation in such fields as law, theology, medicine, business, music, and art. Higher education also includes teacher-training schools, junior colleges, and [...] institutes of technology. The basic entrance requirement for most higher-educational institutions is the completion of secondary education, and the usual entrance age is about 18 years. (See also college; university.) [...] courses that cover a variety of subjects. Great Britain’s model of higher education has been copied to varying degrees in Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, New Zealand, and other former British colonial territories in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
- Types of higher education institutions - Eurydice.eu - European Union
Higher education institutions are classified according to whether they organise university or non-university provision. Within the latter, a distinction can be made between the centres that provide advancedvocational training cycles) and those that providespecialised education. University education -------------------- University education is provided by universities, which may be public or private. [...] University education Public universities University schools and faculties Departments Research university institutes Doctoral colleges Public or private associated centres Private universities and university institutions Non university Education Advanced vocational training Artistic education: Advanced plastic arts and design professional studies Artistic Education: Advanced Artistic Education Advanced vocational education in sports [...] University schools and faculties are the institutions responsible for the organisation of their studies and in charge of the academic, administrative and management processes that lead to the conferment of the different university degrees.
- Why Is Education Important? The Power Of An Educated Society
Higher education can lead to better job opportunities and higher income. On average, a person with a bachelor’s degree will make $765,000 more in their lifetime than someone with no degree. Even with the rising costs of tuition, investment in higher education pays off in the long run. In 2020, the return on investment (ROI) for a college degree was estimated to be 13.5% to 35.9%. [...] Effective written and verbal communication skills are key for personal and professional success. Higher education programs usually include at least one communication course in their general education requirements. Often the focus in these classes is on writing skills, but students can also use college as an opportunity to hone their presentation and public speaking skills. Courses such as Multimedia Communication for Environmental Professionals provide many opportunities for this. [...] Neuroscience research has proven that the brain is a muscle that can retain its neuroplasticity throughout life. However, like other muscles, it must receive continual exercise to remain strong. Higher education allows people of any age to improve their higher-level cognitive abilities like problem-solving and decision-making. This can make many parts of life feel more manageable and help society run smoothly. ### Emotional Intelligence
- Understanding the Different Types of Colleges - BigFuture
Universities are larger institutions that offer a wider variety of academic majors and degree options. These schools provide bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Most universities contain several smaller colleges, such as colleges of education, engineering, or health sciences. These colleges can prepare you for a wide range of careers or for graduate study. ## Community Colleges [...] A college is a smaller school that may offer a wide variety of educational programs or more focused specializations for those seeking undergraduate degrees. Standing alone or as part of a larger institution, a college is often a private institution with a lower student population and smaller class sizes. On the other hand, a university is a larger school offering both undergraduate and graduate-level degrees. Because they’re a component of a university's doctoral programs, such institutions [...] Embarking on a journey through higher education can be both exciting and challenging. Using the information presented here should help you sift through your options so the decisions you make today will serve you better in the future. For more help finding the right colleges for you, check out College Search. ### Start a College List to Qualify for a $40k BigFuture Scholarship ## Related Topics ### Start a College List to Qualify for a $40k BigFuture Scholarship ## Related Topics
- Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education®
International College of Broadcasting Ohio International Institute for Restorative Practices Pennsylvania IIRP Graduate School Inver Hills Community College Minnesota IHCC Iona University New York Iowa Central Community College Iowa Iowa Lakes Community College Iowa Iowa State University Iowa ISU Iowa Western Community College Iowa Irvine Valley College California Island Drafting and Technical Institute New York [...] Contra Costa Medical Career College California Converse University South Carolina Conway School of Landscape Design Massachusetts Conway School Cooley Law School Michigan Thomas M. Cooley Law School Copiah-Lincoln Community College Mississippi Copper Mountain Community College California CMC Coppin State University Maryland Coppin Corban University Oregon Warriors Cornell College Iowa Cornell University New York Cornerstone University Michigan [...] Hartford International University for Religion and Peace Connecticut Hartnell College California Hartwick College New York Harvard University Massachusetts Harvey Mudd College California Mudd, HMC Haskell Indian Nations University Kansas Haskell Hastings College Nebraska Hastings College Haven University California Haverford College Pennsylvania Hawaii Community College Hawaii Hawaii CC / HCC Hawaii Medical College Hawaii Hawaii Pacific University Hawaii
Wikidata
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DBPedia
View on DBPediaLocation Data
Higher Education, Battle Creek, Southeast, Saint Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota, 55119, United States
Coordinates: 44.9384569, -93.0152381
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