earned degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earned degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a degree that has been successfully completed and awarded by an educational institution. Example: "She proudly displayed her earned degree on the wall of her office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The son of a cleaning woman, he earned degree after degree while working at full-time jobs.

The New York Times

The first section requested demographic data that included gender, highest earned degree, degree major, years of teaching experience, current employment status (full-time or part-time), whether the participant was certified to teach biology at the secondary level, and primary teaching duty.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

"When I think of all the times I have been here at Saint Anselm, for debates, forums, town meetings, and rallies, I might argue that it is an earned degree," he said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Earned degrees.

The Guardian - Money

(He earned degrees from both).

The New York Times

After obtaining political asylum, he earned degrees at Oxford University.

The New York Times

She also earned degrees in anthropology and business.

The New York Times

Born to Taiwanese immigrants, Mr. Liu, 39, earned degrees from Stanford and Yale Law School.

The New York Times

Later, he earned degrees from Loyola University and Xavier University, both in New Orleans.

The New York Times

She earned degrees from the University of Chicago and the Winnetka Graduate Teachers College.

The New York Times - Arts

He earned degrees from the institution in the 1970s.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's educational background, use "earned degree" to emphasize the effort and accomplishment involved in obtaining the qualification.

Common error

Avoid using "received degree" when you want to highlight the effort made in obtaining the degree. "Received degree" is more neutral, while "earned degree" emphasizes accomplishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earned degree" functions as a noun phrase that signifies an academic qualification obtained through effort and successful completion of a program. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct. It highlights the achievement aspect of acquiring a degree, as shown by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earned degree" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe an academic qualification obtained through dedicated effort. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct. Its function is to emphasize achievement, and its register leans towards professional and academic settings. While alternatives like "obtained degree" or "acquired degree" exist, "earned degree" specifically highlights the work invested in gaining the qualification. Remember to use "earned degree" when you want to underscore the accomplishment associated with academic success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtained degree

Focuses on the act of receiving or gaining a degree after fulfilling requirements.

acquired degree

Emphasizes the process of gaining possession of a degree through effort.

received degree

Highlights the act of being given or awarded a degree.

attained degree

Suggests a successful achievement of earning a degree after a period of time.

completed degree

Indicates the full completion of the requirements for a degree.

finished degree

Informal way to state the degree requirements are fulfilled.

graduated with a degree

Highlights the graduation aspect after completing the degree requirements.

was awarded a degree

Emphasizes the formal recognition of the degree by the awarding institution.

secured degree

Highlights the effort involved in achieving the degree.

achieved degree

Focuses on the successful completion and accomplishment of the degree.

FAQs

What does it mean to have an "earned degree"?

Having an "earned degree" means you have successfully completed all the requirements for a specific academic program and have been awarded the degree by the educational institution. It implies effort and achievement.

Is there a difference between an "earned degree" and an "obtained degree"?

While both phrases are similar, "earned degree" emphasizes the work and effort put into achieving the qualification, whereas "obtained degree" is a more neutral term simply stating the degree was acquired.

What are some alternatives to saying "earned degree"?

You can use phrases like "acquired degree", "received degree", or "attained degree" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "earned degree" in a sentence?

Example: "She proudly displayed her "earned degree" on the wall of her office", or "He "earned degree" after degree while working full-time".