subcollege

adjective

sub·​col·​lege ˈsəb-ˌkä-lij 

variants or sub-college

: occurring below the college level

especially : of, relating to, or being post-secondary education to prepare students for college

At St. Louis Community College, as at most community colleges, anyone can enroll. But those who test as unprepared for prime-time college work must take subcollege courses first—from a menu in reading, writing and mathematics.

—Susan C. Thomson

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above