earn their degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earn their degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of completing the necessary requirements to obtain an academic degree. Example: "After four years of hard work and dedication, they were finally able to earn their degree in biology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

NHRP shifts the geographic distribution of where students earn their degree, and increases overall bachelor's completion among Hispanic students who traditionally have had lower rates of success.

Stanford University

In the absence of financial support, many students stop out, take extended leaves of absence, and take longer to earn their degree.

Stanford University

Students in the free-standing MA program can earn their degree in two to four years, depending upon the student's full or part-time degree status.

Columbia University

The move marks a significant departure from a system that began during British colonial rule whereby students must earn their degree from a single institution over a fixed number of years.

The New York Times

He said that Fenerbahce had no problem with helping academically inclined players on their youth teams, like the Texas senior Dogus Balbay, go to the United States to play college basketball and earn their degree.

The New York Times

With the right support from institutions of higher education, first-generation students can earn their degree, reinvent themselves and reposition their families in positive ways for generations to come.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Doctoral students earn their degrees in October, February, or May.

Columbia University

Students earn their degrees over 7 semesters (2.5 years), taking 14 courses and earning 42-semester units.

University of California, Berkeley

Now, more than 14,000 graduates of Columbia's 18 schools and affiliates will earn their degrees on May 21.

Columbia University

We have more than 75 graduate students who come through that department and earn their degrees by working at Lamont.

Columbia University

They can stay and earn their degrees, and they will still have access to academic support, sports medicine and strength and conditioning teams.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for international audiences, be aware that the specific degree titles (e.g. Bachelor's, Master's) might need clarification depending on the educational system.

Common error

Ensure pronoun agreement. "Earn their degree" is appropriate when referring to a group or a singular they. For an individual, use "earn his degree" or "earn her degree" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earn their degree" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating the action of successfully completing the requirements for and receiving an academic degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science & Research

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earn their degree" is a common and grammatically sound expression signifying the successful completion of academic requirements to obtain a degree. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, including academia, news media, and general discussions. While alternatives like "obtain their degree" or "receive their degree" exist, "earn their degree" emphasizes the effort and process involved. Ensure pronoun agreement and be mindful of international audience considerations when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Obtain their degree

Focuses on the act of receiving or getting the degree upon completion.

Receive their degree

Highlights the formal act of being awarded the degree.

Graduate with a degree

Emphasizes the graduation ceremony and the attainment of a degree.

Complete their degree

Stresses the finalization of all requirements for the degree.

Achieve their degree

Focuses on the accomplishment and effort involved in obtaining the degree.

Attain their degree

Similar to 'achieve', but may imply a higher level of difficulty or prestige.

Secure their degree

Suggests that the degree was obtained against some form of competition or difficulty.

Be awarded their degree

Highlights the formal process of the university conferring the degree.

Acquire their degree

Emphasizes the gaining of knowledge and skills alongside the formal qualification.

Finish their degree

Informal way of saying "earn their degree".

FAQs

What does "earn their degree" mean?

The phrase "earn their degree" means to successfully complete the required coursework and meet all other criteria to be awarded an academic degree from a college or university.

What is a more formal way to say "earn their degree"?

More formal alternatives include "obtain their degree" or "receive their degree", which emphasize the formal act of being awarded the qualification.

Is it correct to use "earn their degree" when referring to a single person?

Yes, "earn their degree" can be used when referring to a single person using they/them pronouns. Otherwise, use "earn his degree" or "earn her degree" to match the subject's gender.

How does "earn their degree" differ from "graduate with a degree"?

"Earn their degree" focuses on the effort and process of completing the academic requirements. "Graduate with a degree" emphasizes the graduation ceremony and the formal completion of studies.