• For all Alberta school districts, the province tracks the rate at which students who enter high school go on to post-secondary education at an accredited university, college, or technical institute (including apprenticeships). The six-year transition rate between entering Grade 10 and enrolling in post-secondary education is the most widely used measure. It is understood that some students may delay entering post-secondary education for financial reasons, or because they want to work or travel before embarking on the next phase of their lives.
• The transition rate from high school to post-secondary has been steadily improving.

Education is a significant determinant of health, as educational attainment influences career options and lifetime earning potential. University graduates earn significantly higher incomes than high school graduates—on a per annum and lifetime basis. Education also provides some protection against economic fluctuations. Individuals with higher education are less likely to become unemployed in the event of an economic downturn. They are also more likely to achieve financial security after retiring. The importance of education has grown as the economy becomes increasingly reliant on industries that require specialized knowledge and technical expertise.