Universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational institutions, are all part of postsecondary education. Postsecondary education, often known as tertiary education, is the degree of education that follows secondary education, which is commonly referred to as high school. Universities and colleges, as well as trade and vocational institutions, are all part of postsecondary education. The term "postsecondary" refers to any education that takes place after high school. A college education is an example of postsecondary education.