Savanna Hoffman
The term university student can refer to both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students are those pursuing their first degree, typically a bachelor's degree, at a college or university. On the other hand, graduate students are those who have already earned their bachelor's degree and are pursuing additional education, often at a more advanced level, such as a master's or doctoral degree. Graduate students are considered college students for certain purposes, such as tax deductions and credits. However, the term university student is typically associated with undergraduate students, as this is the first level of higher education and is more commonly pursued by individuals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate student | A student pursuing a degree at the first level of higher education (after high school) at a college or university |
| Undergraduate degree | A bachelor's degree (usually 4 years) or a 2-year associate's degree |
| Graduate student | A student who has earned a bachelor's degree and is pursuing an advanced degree in a specific field |
| Graduate degree | A master's degree or a doctoral degree |
| Graduate school | A division of a university where graduate students pursue their degrees |
| Graduate program | A program offered by a university leading to a graduate degree |
| Graduate status | Graduate students are considered college students for the calculation of education deductions and credits |
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What You'll Learn
- Graduate students are those pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate
- Undergraduate students are those pursuing their first degree, typically a bachelor's
- Graduate students are considered a hybrid of students and workers
- Graduate students are eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit or Tuition and Fees deduction
- Graduate students are expected to have a new level of independence
Graduate students are those pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate
A graduate student is someone who has completed their first degree, typically a bachelor's degree, and is now pursuing an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctorate. Graduate students are sometimes referred to as "postgraduate" students, particularly in countries outside of North America. This term distinguishes them from undergraduate students, who are studying for their first degree.
Graduate degrees can include master's and doctoral degrees, as well as other qualifications such as graduate diplomas, certificates, and professional degrees. In the United States, the two main graduate degrees are the master's degree and the doctoral degree. These degrees involve a combination of research and coursework, with a strong focus on specialized instruction in a specific field.
To earn a graduate degree, students typically attend a division of a university known as graduate school or a similar program often called a graduate program. In graduate school, students may pursue academic degrees such as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS), or professional degrees such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Social Work (MSW), or Master of Education (MEd).
Graduate programs may also offer a thesis or non-thesis option, with producing original research being a significant component of graduate studies in many fields. In addition, graduate students often have more self-directed study and learning compared to undergraduate students. They may also receive funding from their university, such as fellowships or scholarships, or they may work as teaching assistants.
In summary, graduate students are those who have completed their first degree and are now pursuing advanced degrees, such as a master's or doctorate. This level of education is characterized by in-depth training, specialized instruction, and a greater degree of independence in studying and learning.
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Undergraduate students are those pursuing their first degree, typically a bachelor's
An undergraduate student is typically someone pursuing their first degree, usually a bachelor's. The undergraduate is the first level of college or university education, where a student can earn a bachelor's degree. Undergraduate students are often working towards a bachelor's degree or, less commonly, an associate's degree. These degrees are often referred to as undergraduate degrees.
Outside of the US, an undergraduate degree can also be called a first degree. There are also other types of undergraduate degrees outside the US, such as a foundation degree, which is usually a two-year programme. In the British system, undergraduate degrees are differentiated between honours degrees and non-honours degrees. Honours degrees generally require a higher academic standard than non-honours degrees.
Bachelor's degrees are typically four to five years long. Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology, for example, will study for a specialised course in the field of psychology. Variants include the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology, and Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology. Science undergraduate degrees may require a semester dedicated to work experience, and a semester for project work or a thesis.
Undergraduate students are differentiated from graduate students, who are pursuing an advanced degree beyond the undergraduate level, such as a master's degree or doctorate. Graduate students have already earned their bachelor's degree and are pursuing further education in a specific field.
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Graduate students are considered a hybrid of students and workers
A graduate student is someone who has earned a bachelor's degree and is pursuing advanced education in a specific field. Graduate students are considered to be of a higher status than undergraduate students, who are pursuing their first level of higher education, typically a bachelor's degree. Graduate students are often enrolled in master's or doctoral programs, and their study and learning are more self-directed than at the undergraduate level. Graduate students may also be referred to as college or university students, especially for the calculation of education deductions and credits.
Graduate students are sometimes employed by their colleges or universities to teach classes, conduct research, and perform clerical duties. The question of whether graduate students should be classified as employees or students has been a topic of debate. In the United States, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has had a changing stance on this issue. In 2000, the NLRB ruled that graduate students at private universities were considered employees and were protected by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). However, in 2004, the NLRB reversed this decision, stating that graduate students in private universities were not considered employees. In 2016, the NLRB again ruled that graduate students who work as teaching and research assistants at private universities are school employees, allowing them to unionize.
The recognition of graduate students as employees gives them the right to bargain for better compensation, including larger stipends and improved health coverage. It also provides them with basic protections such as unpaid leave. Additionally, unionization can help graduate students address issues related to low pay and student debt. Opponents of unionization argue that involving students in the bargaining process could disrupt university operations and negatively impact their education.
Graduate student employee unionization is more common in public universities, with at least 156 unions in the United States as of 2023. In Finland and Sweden, graduate students are often regular employees and are represented by professional unions. The debate around graduate student employee unionization continues, with supporters arguing for the economic nature of the relationship and universities highlighting the potential harm to the educational process.
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Graduate students are eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit or Tuition and Fees deduction
A graduate student is someone who has earned a bachelor's degree and is pursuing further education in a specific field. This could be a master's degree or a doctorate, such as a PhD. Graduate students are considered college students when it comes to calculating education deductions and credits. While they are not eligible for the American Opportunity Credit, they may be eligible for the Lifetime Learning Credit or a Tuition and Fees deduction.
The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit (LLTC) is an annual credit that can be claimed for post-secondary education expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment. It is worth up to $2,000 per tax return and can be claimed for an unlimited number of years. The credit is equal to 20% of the first $10,000 spent on qualified higher education expenses. To be eligible, taxpayers must have received Form 1098-T, the Tuition Statement, from an eligible educational institution. This form will help determine the amount that can be claimed. The Lifetime Learning Credit can be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as some professional and trade programs, with no minimum half-time study requirement.
The Tuition and Fees deduction is another scheme that allows taxpayers to deduct up to $4,000 each tax year in higher education expenses from their taxable income. This deduction can be beneficial for graduate students who may have higher education expenses beyond what is covered by the Lifetime Learning Credit.
In summary, graduate students are considered college students for tax purposes and may be eligible for valuable tax benefits such as the Lifetime Learning Credit and the Tuition and Fees deduction. These credits and deductions can help offset the cost of their graduate studies, making higher education more accessible and affordable.
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Graduate students are expected to have a new level of independence
A graduate student is someone who has earned a bachelor's degree and is pursuing further education in a specific field. This can include master's degrees and doctoral degrees, which involve a combination of research and coursework. Graduate education is characterised by in-depth training and specialised instruction.
The level of independence expected of graduate students can also depend on the availability and circumstances of their supervisors. For instance, a supervisor who is transitioning from a postdoc to a faculty position may have less time to provide guidance and, therefore, expect more independence from their students.
Additionally, graduate students often have more complex schedules and financial and family responsibilities than undergraduate students. Independent college students, defined as those with at least one characteristic outlined in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), now constitute the majority of students in the United States. More than two-thirds of independent students work while studying, with the majority working at least 20 hours per week. Balancing work and studies can make it challenging for graduate students to be as independent as their undergraduate counterparts.
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Frequently asked questions
Undergraduate students are pursuing their first degree, typically a bachelor's degree, at a college or university. Graduate students have completed their bachelor's degree and are pursuing an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree.
A graduate degree is a level of advanced education beyond the undergraduate level. It often involves a combination of research and coursework and provides in-depth training and specialized instruction in a particular field.
Yes, graduate students are considered college or university students, especially in the context of calculating education deductions and credits. However, graduate students are typically pursuing their master's or doctoral degrees in a graduate school or program within a university.
