Post secondary education is the education and training completed after graduation from high school. Statistics indicate that the average American will have more than 3 careers in a lifetime so, it is not unusual for a person to complete more than one type of post secondary education in a lifetime. There are several options available for continuing your education after high school.

4 Year Colleges: Four year colleges are designed for the student whose goal is a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. Students earning a bachelor's degree receive a broad-based education, including English, math, science, and social science, plus courses emphasizing a specific subject area or major. Four year colleges are either part of the California State University system, the University of California system, or one of many private or independent colleges. California State University , Sacramento and University of California, Davis are located in the greater Sacramento area.

Community Colleges: Community colleges are designed for students who desire career-oriented programs. They provide an affordable opportunity for students to earn a certificate in a specialized career field, earn an associate's degree, or transfer to a 4 year college. Los Rios community college system serves the greater Sacramento area.

Career and Technical Schools: Career and Technical schools provide students the opportunity to receive specialized training in a variety of career fields. The training may take from a few weeks to two years to complete. Instruction prepares students for the specific skills required in the selected career field and frequently includes work-based learning.

Military: Although the purpose of the military is to protect the interests of the United States, over 2,000 career training opportunities are available to enlistees. The branches of the military are the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marines, however there are also military opportunities in the Coast Guard, National Guard, and the Reserves. High school students interested in college and service to the country may enroll in ROTC while in high school.

Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships are job training programs designed for individuals who prefer hands-on training in a specific occupation: auto mechanic, baker, carpenter, electrician, plumber, tool and die maker and many more. The training includes on-the-job experiences and classroom instruction. The training period varies from 1- 6 years depending on the trade.

Regional Occupational Programs: Career preparation training offered through the Sacramento County Office of Education. Students receive classroom orientation, then are placed in a training site four days a week, returning to the classroom one day per week. Programs are offered during the school day and after school and are usually one or two semesters in length and two or three hours per day.

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