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What Is a Doctorate Degree?

A doctorate is usually the most advanced degree someone can get in an academic discipline, higher education experts say.

What Is a Doctorate?

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It's unwise to apply to a doctoral program if you don't have a clear idea of how you might use a doctorate in your career.

In many academic disciplines, the most advanced degree one can earn is a doctorate. Doctorate degree-holders are typically regarded as authorities in their fields, and many note that a major reason for pursuing a doctorate is to increase professional credibility.

"If someone wants to be respected as an expert in their chosen field, and also wants to have a wider array of options in research, writing, publishing, teaching, administration, management, and/or private practice, a doctorate is most definitely worth considering," Don Martin, who has a Ph.D. in higher education administration , wrote in an email.

A doctoral degree is a graduate-level credential typically granted after multiple years of graduate school, with the time-to-degree varying depending on the type of doctoral program, experts say.

Earning a doctorate usually requires at least four years of effort and may entail eight years, depending on the complexity of a program's graduation requirements. It also typically requires a dissertation, a lengthy academic paper based on original research that must be vetted and approved by a panel of professors and later successfully defended before them for the doctorate to be granted.

Some jobs require a doctorate, such as certain college professor positions, says Eric Endlich, founder of Top College Consultants, an admissions consulting firm that helps neurodivergent students navigate undergraduate and graduate school admissions.

Endlich earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree, commonly known as a Ph.D., from Boston University in Massachusetts. He focused on psychology and notes that a doctoral degree is generally required to be a licensed psychologist.

"Since a Ph.D. is a research-focused degree, it can be advantageous to those seeking high-level research positions in scientific fields such as astrophysics or biotechnology," he says.

How Long it Takes to Get a Doctorate Degree

Martin, founder and CEO of Grad School Road Map, an organization that helps grad school applicants navigate the admissions process, says obtaining a doctorate is often a lengthy endeavor.

"Typically it can take between four and six years to complete any doctoral program," he says. "If comprehensive examinations and a dissertation are part of the graduation requirements, it may take a year or two longer. There is no standard amount of time – some students take seven to 10 years to finish."

Endlich says doctoral degree hopefuls should be aware that completing a dissertation may take a long time, especially if unexpected hurdles arise.

"My dissertation, for example, involved recruiting college students to complete questionnaires, and it took much longer than I anticipated to recruit enough subjects for my study," he says.

The standards for a dissertation, which include the proposal and research, are rigorous and usually involve a review and approval by a faculty committee, says Hala Madanat, vice president for research and innovation at San Diego State University in California.

"As part of dissertation requirements, some programs will require publication of the research in high-impact peer-reviewed journals," Madanat wrote in an email.

Types of Doctoral Degree Programs

According to professors and administrators of doctoral programs, there are two types of doctorates.

Doctor of Philosophy

A doctor of philosophy degree is designed to prepare people for research careers at a university or in industry, and teach students how to discover new knowledge within their academic discipline. Ph.D. degrees are offered in a wide range of academic subjects, including highly technical fields like biology , physics, math and engineering; social sciences like sociology and economics; and humanities disciplines like philosophy.

A Ph.D. is the most common degree type among tenure-track college and university faculty, who are typically expected to have a doctorate. But academia is not the only path for someone who pursues a Ph.D. It's common for individuals with biology doctorates to work as researchers in the pharmaceutical industry, and many government expert positions also require a Ph.D.

Professional or clinical doctorates

These are designed to give people the practical skills necessary to be influential leaders within a specific industry or employment setting, such as business, psychology , education or nursing . Examples of professional doctoral degrees include a Doctor of Business Administration degree, typically known as a DBA; a Doctor of Education degree, or Ed.D.; and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, or DNP.

A law degree, known as a juris doctor or J.D., as well as a Doctor of Medicine degree, or M.D., are also considered professional doctorates.

How to Get a Doctorate

Getting a doctorate is challenging. It ordinarily requires a series of rigorous classes in a field of study and then passage of a qualification exam in order to begin work on a dissertation, which is the final project.

Dissertations are difficult to write, says David Harpool, vice president of graduate and online programs at Newberry College in South Carolina. Some research indicates that only about half of doctoral students go on to finish their degree, and a main reason is that many never finish and successfully defend their dissertation

"Many of them are in programs that permit them to earn a master’s on the way to a doctorate," Harpool, who earned a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University in Missouri and a J.D. from the University of Missouri , wrote in an email. "The transition from mastering a discipline to creating new knowledge (or at least applying new knowledge in a different way), is difficult, even for outstanding students."

Learn about how M.D.-Ph.D. programs

There is a often a "huge shift in culture" at doctoral programs compared to undergraduate or master's level programs, says Angela Warfield, who earned a Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa.

Doctoral professors and students have more of a collaborative relationship where they function as colleagues, she says. And there's pressure on each student to produce "significant and original research."

Many full-time doctoral students work for the school as researchers or teaching assistants throughout their program, so time management is crucial to avoid burnout. However, the dissertation "is by far the biggest battle," she says. The goal is to avoid an "ABD," she says, meaning "all but dissertation."

"In my writing group, we had two motivational slogans: 'ABD is not a degree,' and 'a good dissertation is a done dissertation,'" Warfield, now the principal consultant and founder of admissions consulting firm Compass Academics, wrote in an email.

How Are Doctorate Admissions Decisions Made?

Admissions standards for doctoral programs vary depending on the type of doctorate, experts say.

The quality of a candidate's research is a distinguishing factor in admissions decisions, Madanat says. Meanwhile, leaders of clinical and professional doctorate programs say that the quality of a prospective student's work experience matters most.

Doctoral programs typically expect students to have a strong undergraduate transcript , excellent letters of recommendation and, in some cases, high scores on the Graduate Record Examination , or GRE, Endlich says.

"The size of the programs may be relatively small, and universities need to be sure that applicants will be able to handle the demands of their programs," he says.

Because professional doctorates often require students to come up with effective solutions to systemic problems, eligibility for these doctorates is often restricted to applicants with extensive first-hand work experience with these problems, according to recipients of professional doctorates.

In contrast, it's common for Ph.D. students to begin their programs immediately after receiving an undergraduate degree. The admissions criteria at Ph.D. programs emphasize undergraduate grades, standardized test scores and research projects , and these programs don't necessarily require work experience.

Admissions decisions may also depend on available funding, says Madanat, who works with doctoral students to provide funding, workshops and faculty support to help their research.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Doctoral Program?

Doctoral degree hopefuls "should be interested in making a deep impact on their field, open-minded, eager to learn, curious, adaptable and self-motivated," Madanat says. "Doctoral programs are best suited for those whose goals are to transform and change the fields they are studying and want to make a difference in the way the world is."

Someone who loves to study a subject in great depth, can work alone or in teams, is highly motivated and wants to develop research skills may be a good candidate for a doctoral program, Endlich says.

Because of the tremendous effort and time investment involved in earning a doctorate, experts say it's foolish to apply to a doctoral program if it's unclear how you might use a doctorate in your career.

"The students are being trained with depth of knowledge in the discipline to prepare them for critical thinking beyond the current state of the field," Madanat says. "Students should consider the reasons that they are pursuing a doctoral degree and whether or not it aligns with their future professional goals, their family circumstances and finances."

Rachel D. Miller, a licensed marriage and family therapist who completed a Ph.D. degree in couples and family therapy at Adler University in Illinois in 2023, says pursuing a doctorate required her to make significant personal sacrifices because she had to take on large student loans and she needed to devote a lot of time and energy to her program. Miller says balancing work, home life and health issues with the demands of a Ph.D. program was difficult.

For some students, the financial component may be hard to overlook, Warfield notes.

"Student debt is no joke, and students pursuing graduate work are likely only compounding undergraduate debt," she says. "They need to really consider the payoff potential of the time and money sacrifice."

To offset costs, some programs are fully funded, waiving tuition and fees and providing an annual stipend. Some offer health insurance and other benefits. Students can also earn money by teaching at the university or through fellowships, but those adding more to their plate should possess strong time management skills, experts say.

"Graduate school, and higher education in general, can be brutal on your physical and mental health," Miller wrote in an email.

But Miller says the time and effort invested in her doctoral program paid off by allowing her to conduct meaningful research into the best way to provide therapy to children affected by high-conflict divorce and domestic violence. She now owns a therapy practice in Chicago.

Miller urges prospective doctoral students to reflect on whether getting a doctorate is necessary for them to achieve their dream job. "Really know yourself. Know your purpose for pursuing it, because that's what's going to help carry you through."

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Steps To Graduation - Checklist for Ph.D. Students

All Graduate School paperwork is due to the CS Graduate Office 3 business days prior to the Graduate School's official deadlines and these deadlines could be earlier than listed below so be sure to check them*

Dissertation Defense Preparation Steps

• Review Graduation Deadlines and if you need to stay updated on important dates and events, you can subscribe to the CS Grad Office calendar  (PhD)  
• Graduation Application: Apply for Graduation through Testudo by the first week of the semester in which you plan to graduate. If you don't end up graduating as planned, your application will simply roll over to the next semester  
• Submit Committee Form:  Submit the Nomination of Thesis or Dissertation Committee Form via CS Graduate Form Submissions  by the deadline for Nomination of Dissertation Committee Form . If your committee requires a Special Member, please complete this CMSC Graduate Faculty Nomination a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the deadline for submitting the nomination form
• REC Form: Once the Office of the Registrar approves your committee, your REC form will be dispatched to all committee members 3 business days before the defense date specified on your nomination form. Please ensure that you provide the most accurate date possible.

Scheduling Your Defense: Guidelines and Procedures

• Defending Deadline: To ensure you have ample time to meet all necessary requirements, the CS Graduate Office recommends scheduling your defense at least two weeks before the final dissertation submission deadline  
• Please fill out the Oral Exam Scheduling Form with the requested information. Please note that failure to complete this step could lead to the cancellation of your defense. To book the exam location, please use the reserve feature in your UMD google calendar. You can see here for instructions on how to request a room and here for information on room capacities

Dissertation Seminar and Defense Procedure

• Committee Dissertation Distribution: Provide a copy of your completed dissertation to your committee at least 10 business days before the defense. This allows committee members adequate time to review your work in detail  
• Committee Signatures: Following the defense, your committee must sign the Report of Examining Committee. It is crucial that this step is completed no less than 3 days prior to the final deadline set by the final Graduate School deadline  
• Dissertation Revisions: After your defense, finalize all recommended revisions to your dissertation. Once complete, seek final approval from your advisor and/or committee  
• Remind your advisor to sign off the Report of Examining Committee (REC) form by the deadline

Final Dissertation Submission Process

• Submission to Graduate School: Submit the Final Dissertation to the Graduate School using ProQuest ETD by the Graduate School deadline  
• Embargo Option: If desired, students have the option to place an embargo of up to two years on electronic access to their document via ProQuest's Digital Dissertations and DRUM without the need for approval from the Graduate School. You may submit a Dissertation Embargo Request via CS Graduate Form Submissions if you’d like to place an embargo that’s more than 2 years

Post-Dissertation Submission Procedure

• Survey: Complete the Graduate School Surveys  & CS Graduate Student Exit Survey  
• Financial Responsibility: Ensure any remaining balance on your student account is fully paid. It's important to note that you won't be able to receive your diploma until all outstanding balances are settled  
• Address Confirmation: Verify your address in the UMD system. This is to make sure all future communications, including the mailing of your diploma, are sent to the correct address  
• Student Status: Remember that you will maintain your student status until the official conferral date of your degree. This implies you can't move to a non-student appointment on campus until after the conferral date. If you're an international student on an F-1 visa, refrain from registering for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to commence before your degree conferral date  
• Certification of Completion: If necessary, and especially if you're in the midst of a job search and defended early in a semester, request a Certification of Completion letter via Letter Request to prove you have finished your program  
• CMNS Commencement Registration: Make sure to register for the CMNS Commencement (Mid-Semester, Fall & Spring). For more information on commencement, refer to the CMNS website.

• Enroll & Pay
• Prospective Students
• Faculty & Staff

Graduation Requirements for Doctoral Students

Graduation process: from defense to hooding.

Step 1: Plan your defense - check with your school or graduate support staff for deadlines and guidelines in planning and scheduling your defense.

Step 2: Apply for graduation in Enroll & Pay .

Step 3: Complete your defense.

Step 4: Submit required paperwork to your school (See information below for details).

Step 5: Complete the Electronic Submission of your dissertation.

Step 6: Plan and apply to participate in recognition events and commencement (optional).

Doctoral Hooding Ceremony (DHC)

• This ceremony is exclusively for doctoral graduates and candidates, as they hold the highest level of academic achievement.
• The ceremony takes place once a year in May and doctoral graduates from the previous Summer and Fall terms, as well as doctoral candidates for the current Spring and Summer terms are eligible to participate.
• Communications regarding the DHC application process are sent out via email to all eligible doctoral graduates and candidates. 

Learn more about the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony at the DHC Website>>

School/College Recognition Events

• Individual schools, programs, and departments may have recognition events for their students.
• Please check with your school/College for information about these ceremonies.

University Commencement

• Commencement is organized by the Chancellor's office to recognize all the KU graduates for the corresponding year.
• This event takes place once a year in May.
• The  Commencement website  provides more information about the event, how to prepare and participate, and contact information.
• The  Commencement website  also provides a comprehensive list of the individual school, program, and department recognition events for the corresponding year.

Required Paperwork

In order to graduate, a student must submit several documents in addition to the dissertation. Individual schools and the College maintain their own graduation requirements, so they may expect documentation beyond what is listed here. Students must submit all paperwork directly to the graduate administrators in their school or College.  Students must check with their administrators to ensure they meet all requirements and deadlines for graduation. Students should also review the university-wide  graduate calendar  and take note of applicable deadlines and events.

Materials to be Submitted by the Graduation Deadline

Formatting requirements, sample documents, and templates are available on the Library's  ETD Formatting page .

The ETD Release Form is available for download on the  ETD Submission page.

• KU requires completion of the Doctoral Completion Survey and the Survey of Earned Doctorates.
• You  are not  required to submit any documentation that reveals your answers, which are anonymous. However, the Survey of Earned Doctorates issues a certificate of completion which you should include when you submit your graduation paperwork.
• More information about these surveys, and links to begin them, are available on the  Doctoral Completion Survey  page.

More information about submitting theses and dissertations electronically is available on the  ETD Submission page.

ETD Quick Links

• ETD Formatting Requirements and Working with Multimedia Files
• ETD Formatting Page
• ETD Submission Page

Recognition Events Quick Links

• Doctoral Hooding Ceremony
• Commencement

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• Applying to graduate school
• Master’s vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Master's vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Published on November 27, 2020 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on June 1, 2023.

The two most common types of graduate degrees are master’s and doctoral degrees:

• A master’s is a 1–2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers.
• A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3–7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research.

A master’s is also the necessary first step to a PhD. In the US, the master’s is built into PhD programs, while in most other countries, a separate master’s degree is required before applying for PhDs.

Master’s are far more common than PhDs. In the US, 24 million people have master’s or professional degrees, whereas only 4.5 million have doctorates.

Table of contents

Master’s vs phd at a glance, which is right for you, length of time required, career prospects, costs and salaries, application process, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about master's and phd degrees.

The table below shows the key differences between the two.

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A PhD is right for you if:

• Your goal is to become a professor at a university or some other type of professional researcher.
• You love research and are passionate about discovering the answer to a particular question.
• You are willing to spend years pursuing your research even if you have to put up with a lot of dead ends and roadblocks.

A master’s degree is the better choice if any of the following apply:

• You want to continue studies in your field, but you’re not committed to a career as a professional researcher.
• You want to develop professional skills for a specific career.
• You are willing to pay a higher upfront cost if it means finishing with your degree (and thus being able to work) much faster.
• You want the option to study part-time while working.

The length of time required to complete a PhD or master’s degree varies. Unsurprisingly, PhDs take much longer, usually between 3–7 years. Master’s degrees are usually only 1–2 years.

Length of a master’s

Master’s degrees are usually 2 years, although 1-year master’s degrees also exist, mainly in the UK.

Most of the degree consists of classes and coursework, although many master’s programs include an intensive, semester-long master’s thesis or capstone project in which students bring together all they’ve learned to produce an original piece of work.

Length of a PhD

In the US, a PhD usually takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. The first 2 years are spent on coursework. Students, even those who choose to leave without finishing the program, usually receive a master’s degree at this point.

The next 3–5 years are spent preparing a dissertation —a lengthy piece of writing based on independent research, which aims to make a significant original contribution to one’s field.

Master’s degrees tend to prepare you for a career outside of academia, while PhDs are designed to lead to a career in research.

Careers for master’s graduates

There are two types of master’s degrees: terminal and research-intensive. The career prospects are different for each.

Terminal master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for careers outside of academia. Some degrees, known as professional degrees, specifically prepare students for particular professions; these include the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.

Other master’s degrees, usually Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Sciences (MS or MSc) degrees, do not necessarily lead to a specific career, but are intended to be a final degree. Examples include an MS in Communications or MS in Data Analytics.

In research-intensive master’s programs, students take coursework intended to prepare them for writing an original piece of research known as the master’s thesis . Such programs are usually intended to prepare for further study in a doctoral program.

Careers for PhD graduates

As research degrees, PhDs are usually intended to lead to an academic career. A PhD can be thought of like an apprenticeship, where students learn from professional researchers (academics) how to produce their own research.

Most students aspire to become a university professor upon the completion of their degree. However, careers in academia are highly competitive, and the skills learned in a doctoral program often lend themselves well to other types of careers.

Some graduates who find they prefer teaching to producing research go on to be teachers at liberal arts colleges or even secondary schools. Others work in research-intensive careers in the government, private sector, or at think tanks.

Below are a few examples of specific fields and non-academic careers that are common destinations of graduates of those fields.

• Computer Science
• Lab Sciences

Many government jobs, including economists at a country’s central bank, are research-intensive and require a PhD. Think tanks also hire economists to carry out independent research.

In the private sector, economic consulting and technology firms frequently hire PhDs to solve real-world problems that require complex mathematical modeling.

Graduate students from the humanities are sometimes hired by museums, who can make use of their research and writing skills to curate exhibits and run public outreach.

Humanities PhDs are often well-suited to research and grant-writing roles at nonprofits. Since so much of research is funded by grants, PhD students often gain a lot of experience applying for them, which is a useful skill in the nonprofit sector.

There are a wide range of non-academic research jobs for lab scientists with doctorates in subjects like chemistry, biology, ecology and physics.

Many PhD graduates are hired by pharmaceutical companies that need to perform research to create and test their products. Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also hire lab scientists to work on research projects.

Job prospects after graduation vary widely based on the field. In fields like management, computer science, statistics, and economics, there’s little underemployment—even graduates from less well-known programs can easily find jobs that pay well and use the skills they’ve gained from the PhD.

However, in other fields, particularly in the humanities, many PhD graduates have difficulty in the job market. Unfortunately, there are far more PhD graduates than assistant professor roles, so many instead take on part-time and low-paid roles as adjunct instructors. Even non-academic careers can sometimes be difficult for PhDs to move into, as they may be seen as “overqualified”  or as lacking in relevant professional experience.

Because career options post-PhD vary so much, you should take the time to figure out what the career prospects are in your field. Doctoral programs often have detailed “placement” records online in which they list the career outcomes of their graduates immediately upon leaving the program. If you can’t find these records, contact the program and ask for them—placement information should play an important role in your choice of PhD program.

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Although PhDs take far longer to complete, students often receive a living stipend in exchange for being a teaching or research assistant. Master’s degrees are shorter but less likely to be funded.

Both master’s degrees and PhDs lead to increased salaries upon graduation. While PhDs usually earn a bit more than those with a master’s degree, in some fields, the wages are identical, meaning that no financial benefit is gained from going on to a PhD.

Cost of a master’s

The upfront cost of a master’s degree is usually higher than a doctoral degree due to the lower amount of financial aid available. However, increased salaries also arrive faster than with a doctoral degree, because people graduate much earlier from a master’s program.

Some master’s students do receive stipends for their degrees, usually as compensation for being a teaching or research assistant. In addition, many people complete master’s degrees part time while working full-time, which allows them to fund their living costs as well as tuition.

The cost varies significantly by school and program. Public schools are usually cheaper than private ones. Some master’s degrees, such as MBAs, are notoriously expensive, but also result in much higher wages afterwards that make up for the high cost.

The master’s wage premium , or the extra amount that someone with a master’s degree makes than someone with just a high school diploma, is 23% on average. Many universities provide detailed statistics on the career and salary outcomes of their students. If they do not have this online, you should feel free to contact an administrator of the program and ask.

Cost of a PhD

PhDs, particularly outside the humanities, are usually (though not always) funded, meaning that tuition fees are fully waived and students receive a small living stipend. During the last 3–5 years of a PhD, after finishing their coursework (and sometimes before), students are usually expected to work as graduate instructors or research assistants in exchange for the stipend.

Sometimes students can apply for a fellowship (such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program in the United States) that relieves them of any obligations to be a teaching or research assistant. Doctoral programs in the US tend to be better funded than in the rest of the world.

Sometimes, PhD degrees can be completed part-time, but this is rare. Students are usually expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to their research and work as teaching or research assistants.

The main cost of doctoral programs comes in the form of opportunity cost—all the years that students could be working a regular, full-time job, which usually pays much better than a graduate school stipend.

The average wage premium for PhDs is 26%, which is not much higher than the master’s degree premium.

In the US, the application process is similar for master’s and PhD programs. Both will generally ask for:

• At least one application essay, often called a personal statement or statement of purpose .
• Letters of recommendation .
• A resume or CV .
• Transcripts.
• Writing samples.

Applications for both types of programs also often require a standardized test. PhDs usually require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tries to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative, critical thinking , and analytical writing skills. Many master’s programs require this test as well.

Applying for a master’s

Master’s degrees programs will often ask you to respond to specific essay prompts that may ask you to reflect upon not just your academic background, but also your personal character and future career ambitions.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School requires Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) applicants write two essays, one about a recent time they demonstrated leadership and the second about their personal values.

Who you should ask for your letters of recommendation varies by program. If you are applying to a research-intensive master’s program, then you should choose former professors or research supervisors. For other programs, particularly business school, current work supervisors may be a better choice.

Some professional master’s programs require a specific test. For example, to apply to law school, you must take the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. For business school, you must take either the GRE or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Applying for a PhD

When applying for a PhD, your resume should focus more on your research background—you should especially emphasize any publications you’ve authored or presentations that you’ve given.

Similarly, your statement of purpose should discuss research that you’ve participated in, whether as an assistant or the lead author. You should detail what exactly you did in projects you’ve contributed to, whether that’s conducting a literature review, coding regressions, or writing an entire article.

Your letters of recommendations should be from former professors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and potential as a researcher. A good rule of thumb is to avoid asking for recommendations from anyone who does not themselves have a PhD.

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A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

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Graduation Information and Deadlines

Applying to graduate.

Ph.D. and master’s students are required to apply for graduation in DukeHub by the established application deadline for the semester in which they plan to graduate (see Graduation Deadlines section below).  If a student must delay graduation to a future semester, the student should contact the Graduate School Registrar ( [email protected] ) to cancel the existing application and have the expected graduation semester reset in DukeHub. The student then returns to DukeHub to submit a new application for graduation in the revised semester.

Note:  If you require special Latin characters in your name (e.g., accent marks or umlauts), contact Academic Affairs ( [email protected] ).

Approval from Advisor

Ph.D. candidates and master’s candidates writing a thesis:  Before The Graduate School can release your examination certificate, we must receive an advisor letter and a defense announcement via e-mail ( [email protected] ). The advisor letter must be sent by your advisor and needs to state that they have read your dissertation or thesis and that it is complete and ready for defense. The defense announcement must be sent by your program’s director of graduate studies assistant.

Graduation Deadlines

Last updated February 7, 2024

(Download as PDF)

Deadline to apply for graduation

June 15, 2024.

Log into DukeHub and navigate to Academics. Scroll down to Program/Degree Selection and select it to open the application for graduation, which should include a list of degree programs for which you are eligible to apply.

If you applied to graduate in the previous term but did not graduate, you will need to apply again for the current term.

If you are completing a certificate program, you must apply to graduate for it separately in DukeHub.

Deadline for initial submission of electronic doctoral dissertation or master’s thesis

July 12, 2024.

The initial submission must take place at least two weeks before your defense and no later than 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date. Note: If you submit your initial dissertation/thesis on the deadline date, you cannot defend until 14 days after that.

Initial submission of the dissertation or thesis means that the document is complete. We will not check the format of an incomplete document.

After you submit your electronic dissertation/master’s thesis to ProQuest, you will receive an email from ProQuest informing you of any formatting problems and providing you a link to request an optional format check meeting with your assigned ETD administrator.

The letter from your advisor confirming that your dissertation is complete and ready to defend, as well as the departmental defense announcement, must be submitted before we can release your final examination certificate.

Final deadline to defend your dissertation or master's thesis

July 26, 2024.

Final day to hold the Ph.D. dissertation or Master’s thesis defense to receive the degree.

Deadline for final submission of electronic dissertation or thesis

August 9, 2024.

3:00 p.m.: All defended, completed PhD dissertations and master’s theses must be submitted to UMI/ProQuest.

5:00 p.m.: All PhD final exam certificates and master’s final exam certificates (both master’s with thesis and non-thesis master’s) must be submitted to The Graduate School.

Note:  The departments for all students getting a non-thesis master’s degree (this includes the master’s on the way to the Ph.D.) must submit a Non-Thesis Master’s Examination Certificate, signed by their examining committee and the director of graduate studies, to The Graduate School by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline date.

October 1, 2024

November 8, 2024, november 22, 2024, december 6, 2024, thursday, february 1, 2024, wednesday, march 20, 2024, wednesday, april 3, 2024, wednesday, april 17, 2024.

For questions about graduation requirements and process:

Office of Academic Affairs The Graduate School [email protected]

Commencement

For information about university-wide commencement activities, visit commencement.duke.edu .

For information about The Graduate School's Ph.D. hooding ceremony, visit gradschool.duke.edu/hooding .

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Phd graduates: a guide to life after your degree, published by steve tippins on june 25, 2022 june 25, 2022.

Last Updated on: 2nd February 2024, 05:49 am

What do PhD students do after they graduate? What should they do? And what are the unexpected challenges and limitations they encounter?

The first thing a PhD graduate should do is rest and gather their thoughts. It can actually feel stressful to rest after you’re finished because you’re used to pushing yourself to the limit. It can almost be a letdown for some people to have time to rest. However, it is vital to allow yourself to return to a baseline that is a healthy pace of life. Take time and gather your thoughts. 

After that, it’s time to take a look at how to navigate your career after you graduate with your PhD.

Getting a Job as a PhD Graduate

Traditionally, many people moved on to academia after getting their PhD . They would become a professor or instructor. The ideal was to become an assistant professor and do the teaching, research, and service needed to continue; then become an associate professor; and then get tenure and eventually become a professor. That has been the traditional route for people with PhDs . 

But what people do with a PhD is expanding dramatically. In some fields such as education, having a doctorate leads to administrative positions. Many principals and superintendents with doctorates, whether it’s a PhD or EdD, use their degree to enhance their career outside of colleges and universities. They do administrative activities and fill administrative roles in school systems or specific schools. 

Are Universities Failing PhD Graduates?

“Instead of seeking work across society, many highly skilled doctorate holders end up teaching a course here and there – for low wages – in the vanishing hope of full-time jobs as professors. This proliferation of adjunct labor devalues the people doing it and the academic workplace together.” – The Conversation

People are beginning to wonder: Is getting a PhD worth it? Are schools actually doing the right thing by putting out more PhDs? 

Over-Producing PhDs

There are more PhDs than academic jobs at this time. And, the pandemic didn’t help hiring; uncertainties are all over the place. The number of college-age students is lower, so demand for professors is lower. 

What have many universities done in response to all this? They have said, “we are not going to hire tenure track people, we will hire instructors or even adjunct professors.” Doing so frees them from the obligations of tenure. 

Over 50% of doctoral candidates don’t finish their dissertations.

Tenure is almost like locking people up for lifetime contracts. Abandoning this practice gives universities a lot more flexibility to handle their demand. However, this also means that there is a whole group of people who are getting paid a lot less. 

This is especially hard on those in adjunct positions who have earned a PhD. They have spent lots of years working to get paid $2,000 to $10,000 to teach a class. It’s hard to support yourself on that, let alone support a family and pay student loans.

The Adjunct Faculty Rut

Many people who come from a PhD program get stuck in the adjunct faculty rut while searching for a full-time position. They have to do the research to keep current, but they could make more money working a $15 to $20 an hour job that doesn’t require much education. People entering a PhD program should understand that is one of the realities they may face. Now, many people consider careers outside of academia and what a PhD can do for them.

Careers Outside of Academia

Challenges for PhDs Looking for Jobs Outside Academia

One of the challenges people with PhDs face is having employers understand who they are, what their skills are, and why they should hire a PhD. Some people have this perception that PhDs are overqualified to work for them. Other people think PhDs are just theoretical and want somebody who will “actually do work.” You have to combat that thought process. 

Selling the Skill Set of a PhD to Non-Academic Employers

Presenting the skills you acquired doing a PhD to employers and showing them that your skill set is going to be highly valuable is one challenge. This will be less of a challenge over time as more PhDs enter the workforce. 

How do you sell the skill set of a PhD to a non-academic employer? It’s all about communicating the skills you acquired and proved by doing your PhD. Here are some examples:

• In order to get a PhD, you had to be highly organized. 
• In order to keep track of all the research you were doing, you had to be able to carry out a long-term project. 
• You had to be able to work with people, even though some may think you did it alone. 
• You had to be able to work with a committee and essentially manage a group of people. 
• You have planning skills: the planning of your degree, doing the research, and then carrying out the research. It’s a huge endeavor and skill set. 
• You have the technical skills 
• Critical thinking has become part of your normal life. You bring the ability to look at problems from many different sides and then break the problem down and come up with the creative solutions employers are looking for. 

PhDs have to market the skill set more than the degree.

How Does the Glut of PhDs Affect Society?

From a positive perspective, having a group of highly educated people with the skills we just outlined is potentially highly beneficial for society. People within society with these skills can help solve and tackle many problems. 

However, on the opposite side, to get a PhD, you spend time outside of the productive world. You have what some economists might call pent-up demand for materials and services. If there’s a glut of PhDs and you don’t have the capacity to get the jobs you wanted within academia, that can cause unemployment. 

For example, there are places in the United States like Austin, Texas where they say all the taxi drivers have PhDs. People fall in love with Austin, but there aren’t many jobs there. They dedicate huge portions of their life to their PhD and then end up working in jobs they never needed that degree for. 

Is Getting a PhD a Waste of Time?

You shouldn’t get a PhD for financial rewards. However, there is joy in following the pursuit of knowledge. If you are the type of person who really wants to answer questions, explore issues, and come up with solutions, a PhD may be an ideal route for you. If this is the case for you, figure out how to monetize it and become successful. 

For many people, there’s no greater feeling than finding a problem and then providing solutions to it. That can be the beauty and non-monetary reward of being involved in a PhD. Just make sure to cover the financial side of things as well.

Final Thoughts

When you’re doing a PhD, you are surrounded by people who are also on a quest. The camaraderie of supporting each other on these quests can be very rewarding. 

Ultimately, you should not enter into a PhD program lightly. You should understand not only the process of getting a PhD – the rules and procedures – but also why you want to get a PhD. What about it is going to be worth over three years of your life? Explore that, and if you can answer that question, a PhD can be very rewarding.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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PhD Graduation

To get started, check your graduation term of interest below for important dates to begin your application to graduate.

Now through September 30, 2023 : December 2023 graduation applications due online without a late fee

October 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023 : Applications due with a $25 late fee (no later than 5:00pm Friday, December 1, 2023)

December 16, 2023 : Official degree date for December 2023 graduates

December 21, 2023 : Final certification deadline. All ETDs and paperwork due

January 11, 2024 : Transcripts with degrees posted for December 2023 available through the Transcript Office (G-3 Thackeray Hall)

January 30, 2024 : Begin mailing diplomas for the December 2023 graduates

Now through April 1, 2024 : Graduation applications due online

April 27, 2024 : Official degree date for April 2024 graduates

May 6, 2024 : Final certification deadline. All ETDs and paperwork due

May 31, 2024 : Transcripts with degrees posted for April 2024 available through the Transcript Office (G-3 Thackeray Hall)

June 13, 2024 : Begin mailing diplomas for the April 2024 graduates

Feb 1, 2024 through May 31, 2024 : August 2024 graduation applications due online without a late fee

June 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024 : Applications due with a $25 late fee (no later than 5:00pm Thursday, August 1, 2024)

August 10, 2024 : Official degree date for August 2024 graduates

August 14, 2024 : Final certification deadline. All ETDs and paperwork due

September 5, 2024 : Transcripts with degrees posted for August 2024 available through the Transcript Office (G-3 Thackeray Hall)

September 23, 2024 : Begin mailing diplomas for the August 2024 graduates

All documents required for graduation can be downloaded from this site using the links below. Please read all of these materials carefully. If you have any questions about graduation or ETDs, please contact Lauren Zielinski at [email protected] or 412-383-7866.

Graduation Application must be submitted through PeopleSoft:

ONLINE GRADUATION APPLICATION USER GUIDE

• Complete and submit the Dissertation Defense Information Form 
• Your defense should be held at least 2 weeks prior to the final certification deadline
• Your dissertation title must be finalized at this point

Dissertation Defense Information Form Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) Information:  All of the information you need regarding ETD formatting and submitting can be found on the ETD Website .

• You are required to attend a training session regarding the formatting of your ETD.
• You can register for an ETD Workshop at The ETD Training Website
• The information provided at this training is imperative to the successful submission of your ETD. An incorrectly formatted ETD could prevent you from graduating .
• Students most often experience difficulty with bookmarking the ETD. It is important to bookmark every page of your ETD beginning with the title page. Refer to the instructions section of the ETD website above.
• If you are experiencing difficulty, ETD Support offers Walk-In help (Microforms/Maps Area on the Ground Floor of Hillman Library)

Preferred Name on Diploma:  Students may request to have a preferred name printed on their diploma ("Diploma Name"). In order to request a preferred name on your diploma, you must complete and submit the Diploma Name Request Form to the Office of the University Registrar in G-3 Thackeray Hall.

Diploma name request form

There are three forms which require original signatures of all members on your dissertation committee; your Program Coordinator will work with you to get these forms completed and signed in DocuSign:

• Dissertation Defense Report,
• Dissertation Approval Report, and
• ETD Approval Form.

- These forms are also due by the final certification deadline. - No exceptions will be made.

Soon after you defend, you must make an appointment here to meet with Deepti Ramadoss, PhD .

IMPORTANT! You must accomplish/submit all of the following to Lauren Zielinski by the Final Certification Deadline.

• Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD)

You must upload the final pdf version of your ETD to D-Scholarship for formatting review.

• Milestone Forms

The two milestone forms with original signatures: (1) Dissertation Defense Report and (2) Dissertation Approval Report.

• Completed and Signed ETD Approval Form

Download and complete the ETD Approval Form.

etd approval form

• Check that all information on the first page is completed.
• Obtain the signatures of your dissertation committee on the first page.
• Select an availability option on the second page.
• Sign Parts A and B on the second page.
• Obtain your dissertation advisor's signature on Part B on the second page.
• As a warning, beware of predatory publishing firms, such as OmniScriptum who may attempt to obtain rights to your work. If you want a print copy of your dissertation, you have the option to request this when you are completing the ProQuest ETD Administrator step of your ETD submission process: ETD- What to Do After You Defend
• Receipt for Processing Fee

The processing fee for a PhD degree is $50. You can pay this at the Student Payment Center in G7 Thackeray Hall. The Student Payment Center only accepts cash, check or money order. If you prefer to pay by credit card (Visa not accepted), you can call the Student Payment Center (412-624-7520), ask them to charge you the $50 processing fee and pay via PittPAY.

• Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED)

There is no longer a hard copy form. To access the electronic SED, go to The SED Website -For School/College, the only option of "Graduate School" is correct. -After completing the registration page, you will receive an email with the URL to the actual SED, a unique PIN and password. -You will be able to save and complete later by using the PIN and password given to you in the email. -Once you have submitted the SED, immediately following the email confirmation page, you will be taken to a certificate of SED completion. You must print and submit this certificate with your other materials by the final certification deadline (listed above (b)).

• AAUDE Doctoral Exit Survey

Effective for doctoral students who are graduating in the Fall 2021 and beyond, graduates are required to complete the Association of American Universities Data Exchange (AAUDE) Doctoral Exit Survey . The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete and will collect satisfaction information about your graduate education experience at Pitt and your post‐Pitt plans.

• ProQuest UMI Dissertation Publishing Agreement

- The library will ensure that your dissertation is copyrighted to you by default. -If material copyrighted by others is included in your dissertation, attach three copies of the copyright permission letter(s) from the copyright owner(s). Such letter(s) should state that UMI may supply copies on demand. -If your dissertation contains executable software owned by another party, attach three copies of a letter from the owner of the software license granting permission to use it. Such letter(s) should state that UMI may supply copies on demand. - Any additional services that students wish to purchase from ProQuest will be done directly with ProQuest. If you elect to purchase bound copies of your dissertation, you should not expect to receive it sooner than 3-6 months after the final certification date (listed above).

• A Copy of Your Updated CV

Please do not forget to upload a copy of your updated CV as a pdf (preferred) or word document in the Alumni Form below

• Alumni Form

Please complete the Alumni Form:

alumni form

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10 facts about today’s college graduates

Having a bachelor’s degree remains an important advantage in many sectors of the U.S. labor market. College graduates generally out-earn those who have not attended college, and they are more likely to be employed in the first place. At the same time, many Americans say they cannot afford to get a four-year degree – or that they just don’t want to.

Here are key facts about American college graduates.

This Pew Research Center analysis about U.S. college graduates relies on data from sources including the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Student Clearinghouse and the Federal Reserve Bank, as well as surveys conducted by the Center.

Everyone who took the Pew Research Center surveys cited is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about  the ATP’s methodology .

Nearly four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, a share that has grown over the last decade. As of 2021, 37.9% of adults in this age group held a bachelor’s degree, including 14.3% who also obtained a graduate or professional degree, according to data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. That share is up 7.5 percentage points from 30.4% in 2011.

An additional 10.5% had an associate degree in 2021. About four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older had a high school diploma with no further education (25.3%) or completed some college but didn’t have a degree (14.9%).

In a reversal, women are now more likely than men to graduate from college, according to the Current Population Survey . In 2021, 39% of women ages 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree or more education, compared with 37% of men in the same age range. The gap in college completion is even wider among adults ages 25 to 34: 46% of women in this age group have at least a bachelor’s degree, compared with 36% of men.

In an October 2021 Pew Research Center survey of Americans without a degree, 34% of men said a major reason why they have not received a four-year college degree is that they just didn’t want to. Only one-in-four women said the same. Men were also more likely to say a major reason they didn’t have a four-year degree is that they didn’t need more education for the job or career they wanted (26% of men said this vs. 20% of women).

Women (44%) were more likely than men (39%) to say not being able to afford college was a major reason they don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Men and women were about equally likely to say a major impediment was needing to work to help support their family.

There are racial and ethnic differences in college graduation patterns, as well as in the reasons for not completing a degree. Among adults ages 25 and older, 61% of Asian Americans have a bachelor’s degree or more education, along with 42% of White adults, 28% of Black adults and 21% of Hispanic adults, according to 2021 Current Population Survey data. The share of bachelor’s degree holders in each group has increased since 2010. That year, 52% of Asian Americans had a four-year degree or more, compared with a third of White adults, 20% of Black adults and 14% of Hispanic adults.

The October 2021 Center survey found that among adults without a bachelor’s degree, Hispanic adults (52%) were more likely than those who are White (39%) or Black (41%) to say a major reason they didn’t graduate from a four-year college is that they couldn’t afford it. Hispanic and Black adults were more likely than their White counterparts to say needing to work to support their family was a major reason.

While a third of White adults said not wanting to go to school was a major reason they didn’t complete a four-year degree, smaller shares of Black (22%) and Hispanic (23%) adults said the same. White adults were also more likely to cite not needing more education for the job or career they wanted. (There weren’t enough Asian adults without a bachelor’s degree in the sample to analyze separately.)

Only 62% of students who start a degree or certificate program finish their program within six years, according to the most recent data from the  National Student Clearinghouse , a nonprofit verification and research organization that tracked first-time college students who enrolled in fall 2015 with the intent of pursuing a degree or certificate. The degree completion rate for this group was highest among students who started at four-year, private, nonprofit schools (78.3%), and lowest among those who started at two-year public institutions (42.2%).

Business is the most commonly held bachelor’s degree, followed by health professions.  According to the  National Center for Education Statistics , about a fifth (19%) of the roughly 2 million bachelor’s degrees conferred in 2019-20 were in business. Health professions and related programs were the second most-popular field, making up 12.6% of degrees conferred that year. Business has been the single most common major since 1980-81; before that, education led the way.

The  least  common bachelor’s degrees in 2019-20 were in military technologies and applied sciences (1,156 degrees conferred in 2019-20), library science (118), and precision production (39).

There is a growing earnings gap between young college graduates and their counterparts without degrees. In 2021, full-time workers ages 22 to 27 who held a bachelor’s degree, but no further education, made a median annual wage of $52,000, compared with $30,000 for full-time workers of the same age with a high school diploma and no degree, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This gap has widened over time. Young bachelor’s degree holders earned a median annual wage of $48,481 in 1990, compared with $35,257 for full-time workers ages 22 to 27 with a high school diploma.

The unemployment rate is lower for college graduates than for workers without a bachelor’s degree, and that gap widened as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 outbreak began in the U.S., only 1.9% of college graduates ages 25 and older were unemployed, compared with 3.1% of workers who completed some college but not a four-year degree, and 3.7% of workers with only a high school diploma. By June 2020, after the pandemic hit, 6.8% of college grads, 10.8% of workers with some college, and 12.2% of high school grads were unemployed.

By March 2022, the unemployment rate had nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels for college graduates (2%) while dropping to 3% among those with some college education but no four-year degree, and 4% among those with only a high school diploma.

Recent college graduates are more likely than graduates overall to be underemployed – that is, working in jobs that typically do not require a college degree, according to an analysis of Census Bureau and BLS data by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York . As of December 2021, 41% of college graduates ages 22 to 27 were underemployed, compared with 34% among all college graduates. The underemployment rates for recent college grads rose in 2020 as the COVID-19 outbreak strained the job market, but have since returned to pre-pandemic levels.

As of the end of 2021, only 34% of underemployed graduates ages 22 to 27 worked what the Fed defines as “good non-college jobs” – those paying at least $45,000 a year – down from around half in the 1990s. The share of underemployed graduates ages 22 to 27 in low-wage jobs – those earning less than $25,000 annually – rose from about 9% in 1990 to 11% last year.

When it comes to income and wealth accumulation, first-generation college graduates lag substantially behind those with college-educated parents, according to a May 2021 Pew Research Center analysis . Households headed by a first-generation college graduate – that is, someone who has completed at least a bachelor’s degree but does not have a parent with a college degree – had a median annual income of $99,600 in 2019, compared with $135,800 for households headed by those with at least one parent who graduated from college. The median wealth of households headed by first-generation college graduates ($152,000) also trailed that of households headed by someone with a parent who graduated from college ($244,500). The higher household income of the latter facilitates saving and wealth accumulation.

The gap also reflects differences in how individuals finance their education. Second-generation college graduates tend to come from  more affluent families , while first-generation college graduates are more likely to incur education debt than those with a college-educated parent.

Most Americans with college degrees see value in their experience. In the Center’s October 2021 survey , majorities of graduates said their college education was extremely or very useful when it came to helping them grow personally and intellectually (79%), opening doors to job opportunities (70%) and developing specific skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace (65%).

Younger college graduates were less likely than older ones to see value in their college education. For example, only a third of college graduates younger than 50 said their college experience was extremely useful in helping them develop skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace. Among college graduates ages 50 and older, 45% said this.

• Higher Education

About 1 in 4 U.S. teachers say their school went into a gun-related lockdown in the last school year

About half of americans say public k-12 education is going in the wrong direction, what public k-12 teachers want americans to know about teaching, what’s it like to be a teacher in america today, race and lgbtq issues in k-12 schools, most popular.

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Graduation wishes: what to write in a graduation card.

Hats off to graduates! Whether they’re earning a diploma, a program certificate, a degree or even a cool new professional title, their hard work deserves some warm, thoughtful words of recognition and encouragement.

Maybe you’re experiencing one of those “Class of Everyone!” years where you have a lot of graduation cards to send. Or maybe you just want some fresh ideas for what to write in a card for one special graduate. Either way, we’ve got you covered.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @Hallmark .

You can read the whole guide or jump straight to the specific ideas you need. Whichever way you go, we hope our ideas help you add a little pomp to all your graduation-card circumstances!

• Congratulations
• Look to the Future
• Graduation During a Difficult Time
• When You Can Be There
• When You Will Not Make It
• Give Advice
• For a Family Member
• Warm Closings

Find tips for crafting your own special graduation message and get some real life examples from Hallmark Senior Writer Courtney Taylor in the video below or skip straight to the graduation wishes using the links above.

Congratulations  

There’s no need to deliver a whole commencement address in your card. “Congratulations” is a great basic message, and it’s easy to say even if you don’t know the graduate well. Here are some ideas for going a word or two beyond to warm up and personalize your congratulations.

More casual

• “Congratulations and BRAVO!”
• “This calls for celebrating! Congratulations!”
• “You did it! Congrats!”
• “Caps off to you, Graduate! Well done!”
• “What a proud day! We just couldn’t be happier for you!”
• “What an impressive achievement!”
• “Happy Graduation Day!”
• “Good looks, brains, heart and now a diploma too? You’ve really got it all! Congrats!”
• “You did the damn thing, Grad! SO proud.”
• “The community, the church, your family and especially your mama could not be prouder of you.”
• “You deserve all KINDS of high fives and hugs! You worked hard and got it done.”
•  “¡Bravo! ¡Felicidades en tu graduación!”

More formal

• “Congratulations on your well-deserved success.”
• “Warmest congratulations on your graduation.”
• “Congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for your next adventure!”
• “So happy to share in the excitement of your graduation day, and so very proud of you, too!”
• “With love and pride today and always,”
• “Prayers and blessings on your graduation and for your future.”
• “Tu graduación es la recompensa de todo tu esfuerzo. ¡Muchas Felicidades!”

Helpful tip: If the card you’ve chosen already has “congratulations” printed, follow it with an ellipsis […] and add to the “congratulations” message.

Look to the Future  

Graduation is the perfect time to look ahead, offer encouragement and express optimism and excitement about the graduate’s future. And you don’t even need a crystal ball to do it!

• “Hope you’ll always find yourself as happy and full of big, crazy dreams as you are today!”
• “Hope you’re able to take a well-earned rest, vacation—whatever kind of break sounds like fun. You’ve earned it!
• “You’re going to be a star! Congratulations!”
• “You deserve to see your dreams come true…congrats!”
• “This definitely won’t be the last time I get to brag about you.”
• “I’m so happy for you, even if this does mean you’re an [add school mascot here] for life.”
• “You’ve stepped up on the world stage ready to be a star. Love to see your shine!”
• “¡Lo lograste! Que todos tus sueños siempre se hagan realidad.”
• “I’m sure today will be only the first of many proud, successful moments for you.”
• “Sending warm congratulations today and wishing you all the best at Michigan State in the fall!”
• “Congratulations today and best wishes for all your tomorrows.”
• “I just know life has even more wonderful things in store for you.”
• “Today, the field of education gains a very promising new addition. Congratulations on your graduation and best of luck in your teaching career!”
• “Can’t wait to see where life will take you next. Wherever it is, our prayers go with you!”
• “¡Muchas felicidades! Tu actitud triunfadora te seguirá llevando muy lejos.”

Helpful tip: Let your relationship be your guide if you decide to write a lighthearted message. If humor is part of how you communicate with the graduate in everyday life, then feel free to be your funny self when you sign the card.

Graduation During a Difficult Time  

Graduation is supposed to be a time of joy, but sometimes life has other ideas. Here are some message ideas for when difficult personal, family or broader circumstances make it impossible to celebrate the way you and the graduate would have hoped.

When Commencement Is Canceled

• “Of course, we’re disappointed we won’t get to watch you walk across the stage like we’d always dreamed—but that just means we’re going to celebrate you even bigger as soon as we get the chance!”
• “Even though graduation is going to look different for you, the achievement is still the same. You’ve put in the same hard work. You’ve learned and grown so much. And I couldn’t be prouder.”
• “We’re sorry you’ve had to let go of the graduation ceremony and celebrating you’ve been looking forward to for the past four years. We wish it could have been different, but we want you to know we’re still so proud of you and what you’ve achieved.”
• “It’s going to take more than a canceled graduation ceremony to stop me from blowing an air horn in your honor. Way to go, Grad!”
• “You are still celebrated for this amazing accomplishment.”
• “Aunque por el momento no podemos celebrar tu graduación, celebramos con orgullo tu logro.”

When the Graduate Is Struggling

• “Congratulations on your graduation. I wish it could have happened at a happier time for you, but I hope it helps to know how loved you are and how proud you’ve made all of us who care about you.”
• “You might not feel up to celebrating as you graduate, but we hope you do feel the pride, caring and good wishes surrounding you right now.”
• “This is not how I pictured your graduation going, but you sure are the strong, resilient person I always imagined you’d grow to be. Anytime you don’t feel strong, please know you can lean on me.”
• “As you graduate, you’re in all my proudest and happiest thoughts…and in my most caring, heartfelt prayers, too.”
• “Sé que ahorita estás pasando por un mal momento, pero quiero que sepas que eres una persona que inspira a todos a su alrededor, y que se te desea todo lo mejor en tu graduación y siempre.”

When the Future Feels Uncertain

• “You’re graduating at a tough time, but I believe in my heart that better days are coming. It may take some time, but I hope you can hang in there and keep believing, too.”
• “Someday you’ll look back and think, Wow, I graduated at the strangest time ever… Until then, we’ll be here for you, cheering you on, looking forward to wherever life takes you next, and feeling so proud of you.”
• “Graduation cards are supposed to wish you a bright future, but right now, I’m all for taking things one day at a time. I hope you’re able to do that, too. Especially today, I hope you can just enjoy all the pride and good wishes coming your way.”
• “Praying for you as you graduate—for pride today, hope for tomorrow, and for love and support to go with you always.”
• “Your talent is still your talent. Your hard work is still your hard work. Your dreams are still your dreams. You will help turn the world right side up again. Because you are still that amazing.”
• “Hard work, talent, drive and vision will always outlast tough times. That’s how I know you’re going to make the world what you want it to be.”
• “Recuerda que Dios está contigo hoy que te gradúas y siempre. Él te guiará y te acompañará a cada paso.”

Helpful Tip: It’s okay to be real in the face of hard circumstances. If the real you would say “This sucks,” then write “This sucks.” But don’t leave it at that. Try to take your message in a more hopeful, caring direction from there.

When You Can Be There  

If you’re going to be at the commencement ceremony or a part of the celebration afterwards, you might choose to focus your message on the pride and fun of sharing in the graduate’s big day.

• “Congratulations, Jamal. It means so much to be a part of your graduation day!”
• “WOO-HOO! We’re thrilled to be celebrating your graduation with you!”
• “First I get to see you walk across the stage. Then there’s a party? Awesome!”
• “Your whole village is stomping their feet and shouting your name right now, Kendrick.”
• “¡Qué alegría poder ser parte de tu graduación!”
• “So happy we could be here to watch you graduate with honors. It’s an honor to share in such an important day.”
• “It’s my great privilege to know you…to think about all you’ve achieved…and to be with you on your graduation day.”
• “You’ll always remember this day and so will all of us who were here cheering you on. Best of luck to you always!”
•  “¡Muchas felicidades! Es un privilegio poder acompañarte en tu graduación.”

When You Will Not Make It  

Even when you can’t make it to the commencement ceremony or reception, you can still make your presence felt by letting the graduate know you’re with them in spirit.

• “Congratulations on your high school graduation, Tyler! Wish we could be there to see it.”
• “I wish I could be at your graduation to give you a hug and tell you in person how proud I am of you.”
• “Even though we’ll miss seeing you in your cap and gown, we would never miss this chance to tell you we’re proud of you.”
• “I feel a shout coming on! You can probably hear me from all the way over here. Congrats, Grad!”
• “Sending warm thoughts and big congratulations to a graduate we’re so very proud of.”
• “Thinking of you with love and pride on your graduation day.”
• “Our warmest thoughts and highest hopes are with you as you celebrate your graduation.”
• “Ojalá pudiera estar en tu graduación para decirte en persona que mi corazón está lleno de un orgullo inmenso por ti.”

Writing tip: When you can’t be there in person, you don’t have to include an apology in your personal message. Just the act of sending the card lets the graduate know you’re thinking of him or her.

Give Advice  

Graduation is a good time for the kind of advice that’s more about building people up than bossing them around. Keep your advice general, upbeat and encouraging, and it will be appreciated.

• “Always remember: There’s no limit to what you can do if you keep believing in yourself.”
• “Take pictures. Take your time celebrating. Take it easy for a while. Then get ready to take on the world!”
• “It took a lot of hard work to reach this goal. You had to show up every day, whether you felt like it or not. I hope you feel great about what you’ve accomplished, and I hope you’ll continue to be a person who shows up day in and day out for those things that are worthwhile and important in life.”
• “Graduation is like a bridge to the next part of your life, and everything that got you here—hard work, drive and confidence—is going to carry you across to the future you deserve.”
• “Para alguien como tú ningún sueño es imposible de cumplir. Eres muy especial y tu determinación te llevará muy lejos.”
• “May you always dare to do great things with your life.”
• “Keep on growing. Keep adding to the goodness and beauty in the world. Keep developing those unique dreams and talents that make you who you are!”
• “At my graduation, our commencement speaker challenged us to be lifelong learners, and that’s my advice for you as you graduate. Whatever you do, never stop learning, exploring, growing and challenging yourself to be your best.”
• “Sigue esforzándote para alcanzar todas tus metas. Tu graduación es solo el comienzo de un futuro lleno de posibilidades.”

Writing tip: What’s the best life advice you’ve ever received? Or, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned so far? Answering either of those questions might be the perfect lead-in to a meaningful graduation message.

For a Family Member  

When it’s a family member graduating—whether it’s your sibling, your child, your niece or nephew, your cousin or even your parent—you might want to add an extra measure of warmth and pride.

• “Your graduation day is a proud day for you and a dream come true for our family.”
• “Congrats on graduating summa cum laude! I’m beyond proud to be related to someone so smart.”
• “Know what makes your graduation extra special? It’s having watched you grow up, having so many good memories of you and knowing all the challenges you’ve worked through to get to this day.”
• “Tu graduación es un día de orgullo para toda la familia, ¡así que vamos a celebrar!”
• “Congratulations, with love for the grandson you are and with pride in the amazing person you are becoming.”
• “It seems like just yesterday you were just a kid starting high school…now you’re a confident young man about to receive your diploma. It’s been our joy to watch you grow and achieve so much these past four years. Hope you know how proud we are and how much we love you.”
• “It’s a beautiful thing, watching the daughter we’ve always loved growing up and getting one step closer to her dreams. Congratulations, with all our love,”
• “Es maravilloso verte crecer y alcanzar tus metas. Te queremos mucho y estamos muy orgullosos de ti.”

Helpful tip: It’s probably most natural to share a memory of the graduate, but you could also share a memory from your own life experiences or graduation—anything that would be relevant to the graduate and fun or meaningful for him or her to read.

Warm Closings  

A warm closing is like the bow on top! Choose one of ours, or create your own.

• Lots of love,
• Love always,
• Much love to you,
• Best wishes!
• Best wishes for your future,
• All life’s best to you,
• Congratulations!
• Congratulations and best wishes,
• Warmest congratulations,
• Gratefully,
• God bless you,
• God bless you now and always,
• ¡Felicidades!
• greeting card messages
• Additional contributions by Ellen Brenneman, Cindy Phillips and Melvina Young.

Keely Chace is a Hallmark Master Writer who loves reading, running and spending time with her husband and daughters. She shares writing tips in her "What to Write" series on Hallmark & Community.

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Top 15 Best PhD Graduation Gifts in 2024

I found the very best PhD graduation gifts. Below, I’ll discuss each. This article includes specific PhD graduation gift recommendations. I did my best to include a little bit about why new doctors appreciate each, and I link to where you can find them.

Note that The Grad Cafe is supported by our audience, I regularly use affiliate links throughout. That means I could get a small commission when you order something on this list. Thanks for your support!

Ready to discuss PhD graduation gifts? Read on.

Table of Contents

You Can’t Go Wrong With…

If you’re at a loss thinking about what to buy a Ph.D. graduate as a present, you can’t go wrong with cash, checks, and gift cards.

There’s no denying that PhDs can be incredibly expensive. Just look at the data from EducationData.org , which states that federal graduate student borrowers have $91,148 average loan balances. It doesn’t matter if they earned their degree in person or online — debt is debt. Cutting a check for any amount can help a PhD graduate buy what they need (or want). They can also choose to pay the amount toward their debt.

Of course, giving cash or a check isn’t everyone’s idea of a good present. In that case, you can always give a gift card .

Amazon Gift Cards come in nice packaging, like this graduation gift box.

Amazon allows you to choose your gift card amount,  starting from $25 and going all the way up to $2,000. You can also send your gift card digitally if you’d rather skip the box altogether.

On Amazon, you can also choose gift cards from specific brands. For example, if you’d like to give the gift of tech, you can opt for an Apple gift card between $25-$500. And if you’re looking for PhD graduation gifts for her , try a Sephora gift card  between $25-$250.

Buy a Graduation-Themed Amazon Gift Card

Buy an Apple Gift Card

Buy a Sephora Gift Card

15 Best PhD Graduation Gifts [2024]

Check out these unique, fun gift ideas for a doctoral graduate near and dear to your heart!

1. A Care Package – CRAVEBOX Gourmet Specialty Snack Box

Care packages are an excellent yet practical way to show you care. The CRAVEBOX Gourmet Specialty Snack Box is a 50-piece collection of gourmet snack samplers.

Why a PhD Graduate Would Like It:

Unless your recipient is a picky eater, they’re bound to like something in this package. After all, who wouldn’t want to try new types of snacks? They might even find their new favorite snack in this box!

Of course, you may want to ask about food sensitivities and preferences before choosing a box like this.

Buy the CRAVEBOX Gourmet Specialty Snack Box

2. Presentation Clicker and Pointer – Logitech R500s

The Logitech R500s is a presentation pointer and clicker that works from a 65ft range(20m). It has a red laser and customizable buttons. The R500s connects via a USB dongle/receiver, but it’s also universally compatible, including with Bluetooth.

PhD graduates, especially ones going into an academic or research-based career , will have to give a lot of presentations. A good clicker like this can make their presentations go more smoothly.

Buy the Logitech R500s

3. RocketBook Smart Reusable Notebook Set

The RocketBook has been around for a while, but it’s still a pretty cool product all around. RocketBooks are essentially notebooks with special pages that let you scan and digitally convert notes. They come in various sizes and have reusable pages if you use the Pilot Frixion pen. That’s a win for the planet!

PhD graduates will likely write a lot  of notes in their lifetime. The RocketBook blends old-school handwritten notes with technology, allowing easily scannable and text-convertible notes with the app’s OCR (optical character recognition) feature. Some may find this gift a novelty, but it’s a great way to help the environment!

Buy the RocketBook Smart Reusable Notebook Set

4. Boogie Board Basics Reusable Writing Pad

The Boogie Board is a reusable writing pad for quick notes and reminders at work or home. You can use anything to write on it, as long as it has a dull pointy end. This board is good for 50,000 resets (board clears) — endless use!

This is one of the coolest gift ideas for PhD graduates because it reduces desk clutter and wasted paper.

Buy the Boogie Board Basics Reusable Writing Pad

5 . Mechanical Pencil + Stylus: rOtring 800+

This rOtring mechanical pencil and stylus hybrid lets you switch seamlessly from paper to screen. It’s a well-designed writing instrument that prevents writing fatigue thanks to its hexagonal barrel.

This mechanical pen and stylus combo is one of the best PhD graduation gifts for students . For many, pencils are the writing instrument of choice. rOtring is a known and reliable pencil brand, so there’s no doubt it will provide an enjoyable writing experience — and it’s a breeze to use!

Buy the rOtring 800+ Mechanical Pencil and Stylus

6. Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary

The Hobonichi Techo is a well-known planner/diary loved for its sheer quality and flexibility. The Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary allows the user to plan and organize up to five years of their lives.

The Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary offers PhD graduates an easy way to keep track of their appointments and events — especially if they prefer pen and paper to phone apps.

Buy the Hobonichi Techo 5-Year Diary

7. HidrateSpark PRO Smart Steel Water Bottle

The HidrateSpark PRO Smart Steel Water Bottle keeps you hydrated with its reminder glow. You can even track your water intake through its free app and customize the bottle’s glow lights and light patterns. The best part? It keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours!

The HidrateSpark PRO bottle makes a great gift for a PhD graduate, especially if they are so busy that they forget to take care of themselves. Dehydration is no joke!

Buy the HidrateSpark PRO Smart Steel Water Bottle

8. Leather Briefcase and Laptop Bag by KomalC

This leather briefcase and laptop bag uses buffalo leather and durable YKK zippers to ensure years and years of use. It fits laptops without being too bulky while still having plenty of room for files, folders, and notebooks.

This KomalC leather briefcase is a high-quality bag a PhD graduate can take with them anywhere. It’s roomy and protects their laptops and important items without being too bulky or uncomfortable.

Buy the Leather Briefcase and Laptop Bag by KomalC

9. Custom Engraved Steel Business Card Case

This beautiful two-tone business card case holds up to 15 business cards. It comes with free personalization, allowing three text lines with up to 25 characters for each line.

PhD graduates often carry business cards. So why not have a nice, engraved case to keep them all in great condition until it’s time to hand them out?

Buy the Custom Engraved Steel Business Card Case

10. Mechanical Retro Style Flip Clock

This retro-style flip clock has a minimalistic design while still displaying the time down to the minute. It has a durable stainless steel frame and ABS plastic cards to ensure longevity. However, it has delicate inner mechanisms, so it’s not the best gift for someone with cats or young children.

This gift is a great conversation starter for your PhD recipient!

Buy the Mechanical Retro Style Flip Clock

11. Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker

This alarm clock was made for those who sleep through just about any other alarm. It comes with a shaker that users can put underneath their pillow (or anywhere else where it would make a racket) so the vibrations will wake them up when the alarm rings.

This Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker is one of the best PhD graduation gifts for students who sleep like the dead. This alarm clock might help the recipient avoid tardiness, though their sleeping partner might not appreciate it so much!

Buy the Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker

12. FlexiSpot Laptop Desk Riser

This laptop desk riser is 27×19 inches — a relatively large desk surface when raised. It has five adjustment settings from 1.8 to 15.9 inches. This Flexispot product allows the user to turn any surface into a standing desk. Make sure you also check the Best Desks for Students .

Sitting all day while working is detrimental to your health. This laptop desk riser is an excellent choice for PhD graduates who spend way too much time at their workstations. And if they don’t want to stand, even the slight elevation of gaze reduces neck strain and back pain.

Buy the FlexiSpot Laptop Desk Riser .

*You can also add the FlexiSpot Anti-Fatigue Mat .

13. FlexiSpot EN1 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

The En1 electric height adjustable desk has a 55×28 inch table top for a spacious work area. It runs quietly while adjusting height smoothly. Users can set the table’s height between 28-47.6 inches. It supports up to 154 lbs, which accommodates even the heaviest workloads.

The EN1 makes is a great PhD graduation gift for the same reason a laptop riser would — it helps your PhD graduate to stand more often, minimizing stress and back pain. This fully electric desk is also quite convenient, without requiring manual adjustments. What better way to kick off your graduate’s high-paying PhD job  than a fabulous new desk?

Buy the FlexiSpot EN1 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

14. Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are legendary for great audio quality, comfort, and portability (they fold up to a smaller profile when not in use). It offers ANC (active noise cancellation) and even has built-in Alexa voice control.

If you want to give the gift of peace and focus, this pair of headphones is an incredible choice. While this one’s pricey, you can find other ANC headphones that are more affordable. The XM4s also have a newer version, the XM5 (but these don’t fold up into a smaller profile).

Buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Headphones

15. Microsoft Surface Go 3

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a tablet that can replace a laptop. It runs on Windows, has a touch screen and decent battery life, and works with a stylus. You can also charge it with a power bank if you run out of juice.

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is an excellent and pragmatic PhD graduation gift for students because of its productivity capabilities, including responding to emails and word processing. And, of course, it also works well for entertainment purposes. Save this for a loved one — it’s pricy!

Buy the Microsoft Surface Go 3

How Much Should You Spend on PhD Graduation Gifts?

The cost of your PhD gift depends on your relationship with the graduate. It can be anywhere from $10-$300, or maybe even more if you wish — but never spend more than you can afford. Here’s a general guide for how much you might want to spend:

• Acquaintances : <$30
• Friends : $25-$50
• Closest friends and relatives: $50-$100
• Significant others, children, and close loved ones: $100-$300+

Avoid superfluously expensive gifts for people you aren’t close with — that’ll just make them uncomfortable!

Finishing a doctorate is no easy feat — even the online PhDs  take endless hours to complete. Bottom line? Graduating with a PhD is a cause for celebration! And what better way to celebrate your new PhD-holder loved one than with a thoughtful present ?

PhD graduation gifts don’t have to be expensive or luxurious. They can be something as simple as a mug or a shirt with a witty PhD-related message. Doctorate graduation gifts can even be sentimental, like an engraved business card case.

If someone you know recently achieved a PhD (or even an MBA ), this list of the best graduation gifts for PhD students might offer some gift inspiration.

It can be challenging to come up with ideas for PhD graduation gifts, but there’s always a fantastic option out there waiting for you. But remember: if you can’t come up with any ideas that feel right, everyone loves cash or gift cards!

Do you have any other PhD graduation gift suggestions? Leave them in a comment below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you give a phd graduate.

The perfect PhD graduation gifts for doctoral graduates depend on your preference — unless the recipient specifically requests something. Cash, checks, and gift cards are popular options but may seem impersonal. Instead, you might give the graduate something pragmatic, like food, or something heartfelt, like a craft. Of course, the 15 suggestions on this list are also great PhD gifts.

What Are Good PhD Graduation Gifts for a University Graduate?

It truly depends — you can give something generic like a mug or shirt with a witty PhD-related saying or something more aligned with your recipient’s interest if you know them well.

What Is the Going Rate for PhD Graduation Gifts?

It really depends on your relationship with the recipient. Gifts can cost anywhere from $10-$300 and sometimes even more. If you’re more an acquaintance than a loved one, choose something on the lower price end to avoid making the recipient uncomfortable.

Is it OK to Give a Check as a PhD Graduation Gift?

Absolutely! Although some people may find checks or cash impersonal, a PhD graduate could probably use the money. After all, they can put it toward student loans or buy something they really need.

Related Reading:

• Top 12 Best Laptops for Graduate Students
• Top 10 Best Jobs for MBA Graduates

5 Ways To Work While Studying And Get Ahead Of The Competition

• How To Prep Your Resume For Success 
• 5 Tips For An Amazing Video Interview

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 18 Best Scholarships for Black Students in 2024-2025
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 25 Best Gifts for Nursing Students in 2024
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16 Best Graduation Speeches That Leave a Lasting Impression

By Kristi Kellogg and Noor Brara

Some of the most impactful and inspiring sentiments are shared during graduation speeches delivered by the leaders we look up to. Graduation speeches from celebrities , entrepreneurs, authors and other influential thinkers are motivational, inspiring, thought-provoking and just might make you reach for the nearest tissue. After four years of hard work, stress, and exhausting self-discovery, lucky graduates are privy to a life-changing speech to top it all off.

Here, we rounded up up 16 of the best graduation speeches of all time, including words of wisdom from Natalie Portman, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and more.

1. Steve Jobs: Stanford, 2005

"You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

2. Michelle Obama: Tuskegee University, 2015

"I've found that this journey has been incredibly freeing. Because no matter what happened, I had the piece of mind knowing that all of the chatter, the name-calling, the doubting...all of it was just noise. It did not define me, it didn't change who I was, and most importantly, it couldn't hold me back."

3. Natalie Portman: Harvard, 2015

"I just directed my first film. I was completely unprepared, but my own ignorance to my own limitations looked like confidence and got me into the director's chair. Once there, I had to figure it all out, and my belief that I could handle these things, contrary to all evidence of my ability to do so was half the battle. The other half was very hard work. The experience was the deepest and most meaningful one of my career."

4. Amy Poehler: Harvard University, 2011

By Robyn Asleson

By Christian Allaire

By Shauna Beni-Haynes

"What I have discovered is this: You can't do it alone … Listen. Say 'yes.' Live in the moment. Make sure you play with people who have your back. Make big choices early and often."

5. Meryl Streep: Barnard College, 2010

"This is your time and it feels normal to you but really there is no normal. There's only change, and resistance to it and then more change."

6. David Foster Wallace: Kenyon College, 2005

"Twenty years after my own graduation, I have come gradually to understand that the liberal arts cliché about teaching you how to think is actually shorthand for a much deeper, more serious idea: learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed. Think of the old cliché about quote the mind being an excellent servant but a terrible master."

7. Barack Obama: Howard University, 2016

"You have to go through life with more than just passion for change; you need a strategy. I’ll repeat that. I want you to have passion, but you have to have a strategy. Not just awareness, but action. Not just hashtags, but votes."

8. Kerry Washington: George Washington University, 2013

"You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that can write the story that you were meant to tell."

9. Conan O'Brien: Dartmouth College, 2011

"There are few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized. Today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality … Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen."

10. J.K. Rowling: Harvard, 2008

"I stopped pretending to be anything than what I was. My greatest fear had been realized. I had an old typewriter and a big idea. Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."

11. Oprah Winfrey: Harvard University, 2013

"Learn from every mistake because every experience, encounter, and particularly your mistakes are there to teach you and force you into being more who you are. And then figure out what is the next right move. And the key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional G.P.S. that can tell you which way to go."

12. Joss Whedon: Wesleyan University, 2013

"You have, which is a rare thing, that ability and the responsibility to listen to the dissent in yourself, to at least give it the floor, because it is the key—not only to consciousness–but to real growth. To accept duality is to earn identity. And identity is something that you are constantly earning. It is not just who you are. It is a process that you must be active in. It's not just parroting your parents or the thoughts of your learned teachers. It is now more than ever about understanding yourself so you can become yourself."

13. George Saunders: Syracuse University, 2013

"Do all the other things, the ambitious things … Travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim naked in wild jungle rivers (after first having it tested for monkey poop)—but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness."

14. Nora Ephron: Wellesley College, 1996

"Be the heroine of your life, not the victim."

15. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Wellesley College, 2015

"As you graduate, as you deal with your excitement and your doubts today, I urge you to try and create the world you want to live in. Minister to the world in a way that can change it. Minister radically in a real, active, practical, get your hands dirty way."

16. Admiral William H. McRaven: University of Texas at Austin, 2014

"If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right."

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Readings With Hope

48 Congratulations Messages for PhD or Doctorate Degree Students

Have you ever witnessed the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of knowledge? 

Imagine the elation, the sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving the pinnacle of academic excellence. 

As we celebrate the remarkable journey of Ph.D. students, it’s imperative to convey our heartfelt congratulations in a way that truly honors their extraordinary achievement.

Here, we present some heartfelt messages that encapsulate the pride and admiration we feel for these exceptional individuals as they embark on the next chapter of their scholarly endeavors.

Congratulations Messages for Phd Admission

• “Congratulations on your admission to the PhD program ! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. This is a remarkable achievement and the beginning of an incredible journey in academia. I have no doubt that you will contribute valuable insights to your field!”
• “Well done on securing your spot in the PhD program! This is a testament to your brilliance and perseverance . I’m thrilled to see where this next chapter takes you. Your future is undoubtedly bright, and I’m excited for all the discoveries and contributions you will make.”
• “ Congratulations! You’ve been admitted to the PhD program, a milestone that speaks volumes about your academic excellence and passion for your field. This journey will be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Your dedication is inspiring!”
• “This is fantastic news! Being accepted into a PhD program is no small feat, and it clearly demonstrates your commitment and capability. Embrace this new adventure with the knowledge that you are fully equipped to excel. Congratulations!”
• “Congratulations on your PhD admission! Your journey has been nothing short of inspiring , and this achievement is a significant milestone. The dedication and resilience you have shown are commendable. I look forward to seeing the impact of your research.”
• “I’m so proud of you for getting into the PhD program! This achievement is a clear reflection of your hard work, determination , and intelligence. The road ahead is full of possibilities and I’m excited to see the contributions you will make to your field .”
• “Your admission to the PhD program is well-deserved. Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment ! Your passion and dedication have led you to this moment, and I have every confidence in your success moving forward.”
• “ Heartfelt congratulations on your PhD admission! You’ve crossed a major threshold in your academic career, and I’m thrilled to witness the excellence you’ll bring to your research and the academic community.”

• “Congratulations on your admission! It’s a privilege to see someone so dedicated and talented achieve this significant milestone . Your PhD journey will be demanding, but I know you will rise to the challenge and excel .”
• “Well done on earning your place in the PhD program! Your perseverance and academic prowess have truly paid off. This journey will be one of growth and discovery, and I’m excited for the contributions you will make to the world of academia.”
• “Congratulations on your PhD admission! This is a testament to your exceptional skills and dedication. I’m confident that you will bring fresh perspectives and innovations to your field. Your future is incredibly promising!”
• “Achieving admission to a PhD program is a significant accomplishment , and I’m so proud of you for reaching this milestone. Your dedication to your studies and research is admirable , and I’m excited to see where this journey takes you. Congratulations!”
• “Congratulations on your PhD admission! Your drive and intellect have opened the door to an amazing opportunity. This journey will challenge and inspire you, and I can’t wait to see the innovations you’ll bring to your field.”
• “ Bravo for securing your place in the PhD program! This achievement is a testament to your exceptional talent and hard work. The journey ahead is full of promise, and I’m confident you’ll make a lasting impact .”
• “Your admission to the PhD program is incredibly well-deserved . Congratulations on reaching this milestone! Your commitment to your research is inspiring, and I have no doubt you will excel in this new chapter.”
• “This is a momentous occasion ! Congratulations on your acceptance into the PhD program. Your dedication and perseverance have paid off, and I’m excited to see you thrive in this challenging and rewarding environment.”

• “ Heartiest congratulations on your PhD admission! You’ve proven yourself to be a formidable scholar , and this is just the beginning. The academic community awaits your contributions with great anticipation.”
• “Well done on your PhD admission! Your hard work and dedication have clearly shone through. This is a golden opportunity to further your research and make meaningful contributions to your field. Congratulations!”
• “Congratulations on this spectacular achievement ! Being admitted into a PhD program is a clear indicator of your academic excellence and potential for groundbreaking research. I’m thrilled about your future discoveries.”
• “Your PhD admission is a testament to your brilliant mind and unwavering dedication . This milestone is just the beginning of a journey filled with discoveries and success. Congratulations on this well-deserved accomplishment!”
• “ Incredible job on earning your place in the PhD program! Your ability to tackle complex problems and push the boundaries of knowledge is truly inspiring. I’m looking forward to seeing your impact on your field.”
• “Congratulations on your PhD admission! This step is a huge leap towards fulfilling your academic and research ambitions. Your passion and perseverance have led you to this point, and they will guide you to even greater achievements.”
• “ Congratulations on your well-deserved PhD admission! Your journey so far has been a testament to your hard work and dedication . The academic world is ready for your contributions, and I’m excited to see where this path takes you.”
• “Securing your admission into the PhD program is a major milestone —congratulations! Your commitment to excellence is evident, and this opportunity will enable you to explore and transform your field in unimaginable ways.”

Congratulations Messages for Phd Graduation

• “Congratulations on your PhD graduation ! This is a testament to your incredible perseverance and dedication. You’ve not only advanced your own knowledge but are set to contribute significantly to your field. Well done !”
• “ Heartfelt congratulations on achieving this monumental milestone! Your PhD is not just a degree, but a symbol of your relentless dedication and passion for research. The world awaits your innovations and discoveries.”
• “Congratulations on your outstanding achievement ! Completing your PhD is a remarkable feat that speaks volumes about your intelligence, determination , and hard work. Your future endeavors are bound to be exceptional .”
• “Well done on reaching the pinnacle of academic excellence —your PhD graduation! This milestone is a launchpad for your career, and I have no doubt you will make waves in your field. Congratulations on this incredible success !”
• “ Bravo on your PhD graduation! You’ve climbed the highest academic mountain, and your view must be spectacular. Your journey has been inspiring , and your future is as bright as your brilliant mind . Here’s to many more achievements!”
• “Congratulations on your PhD graduation! This is a major accomplishment that showcases your expertise and commitment to your field. The dedication you’ve shown is truly commendable. Your journey is just beginning .”
• “Achieving your PhD is a monumental success that few attain. Congratulations on this significant milestone! Your hard work and sacrifices have culminated in this proud moment. The impact of your research will be far-reaching .”
• “Your PhD graduation marks the culmination of years of research, study, and sacrifices. Congratulations on achieving such a prestigious milestone ! Your dedication to advancing knowledge is truly admirable .”

• “ Heartiest congratulations on your PhD graduation! You’ve proven that with perseverance and passion , even the loftiest goals are achievable. Your academic journey has been nothing short of inspiring .”
• “Congratulations on your PhD graduation! You’ve mastered the art of perseverance, dedication , and scholarly excellence. This achievement opens up a world of opportunities . I can’t wait to see where your talents take you.”
• “ Warmest congratulations on your PhD graduation! Your journey has been a beacon of inspiration for all who aspire to pursue their dreams. Your contributions to your field are already impressive , and the best is yet to come.”
• “Congratulations on your PhD graduation! You’ve achieved the highest level of academic excellence and are poised to make a significant impact in your field. Your hard work and determination have truly paid off .”
• “Congratulations on your PhD graduation ! The dedication and passion you’ve shown on this journey are truly remarkable . Your ability to overcome challenges and push the boundaries of knowledge is inspiring . Here’s to your continued success!”
• “ Huge congratulations on achieving such a monumental milestone—your PhD graduation! Your journey has been a testament to your resilience and unwavering commitment . I am excited to see the impact your future work will have on the world.”
• “Completing your PhD is an extraordinary achievement that reflects your hard work, intelligence, and dedication to your field. Congratulations on reaching this pinnacle of academic success ! The future holds endless possibilities for you.”
• “ Bravo on your well-deserved PhD graduation! You’ve not only earned the highest academic degree but also demonstrated exceptional skill and perseverance. Your contributions to your field are sure to be groundbreaking .”

• “Congratulations on your impressive achievement ! Graduating with a PhD is a clear indication of your expertise, dedication , and passion for research. Your future endeavors are bound to be successful and influential .”
• “Your PhD graduation is a significant accomplishment that speaks to your hard work and academic brilliance . Congratulations on reaching this milestone! Your journey has been inspiring , and I look forward to your next chapter.”
• “ Heartfelt congratulations on completing your PhD! This milestone is a reflection of your incredible dedication and the hard work you’ve invested in your research. Your achievement is truly commendable .”
• “Congratulations on your PhD graduation! You’ve demonstrated exceptional perseverance and intellectual rigor throughout your journey. Your ability to contribute meaningfully to your field is undoubtedly remarkable.”
• “ Warmest congratulations on your PhD graduation! Your journey to this point has been filled with challenges, but your determination and passion for your work have shone through. The academic and professional worlds await your innovations .”
• “Congratulations on achieving this pinnacle of academic excellence —your PhD! Your dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge is admirable . This achievement marks the beginning of a promising future filled with impactful contributions .”
• “Your PhD graduation is not just an academic achievement; it’s a testament to your incredible resilience, intellect , and commitment to making a difference in your field. Congratulations on this well-earned success!”
• “Congratulations on your PhD graduation! Your hard work, dedication, and brilliant insights have brought you to this moment. Your future contributions to your field are eagerly anticipated by all who know the value of your work .”

Founder @ ReadingsWithHope.com

I make sure that your cards don't go empty handed.

110 Best Graduation Quotes to Inspire and Congratulate the Class of 2024

These graduation sayings are the perfect words of wisdom for new grads in 2024.

Then there are those quotes that will make your grad stop in their tracks and think, reflect on their education, and picture their lives that lie ahead. These are the quotes that make a card even more special, or honor their graduation day on Facebook or Instagram. They’re also ideal if you’re writing a message in a book that you’re giving to them or if you’re having something personalized. Either way, choose a quote that will hit them right in the feels and get them excited for their upcoming adventure.

We’ve divided these quotes into helpful categories: High School, College, Motivational, Life, and Short, making it even easier for you to pick that just-right quote for the occasion.

Ahead, discover 110 quotes that will make your grad feel loved and appreciated.

High School Graduation Quotes

As the most momentous occasion of their young lives, high school graduates are likely feeling nervous as they cross that threshold between childhood and adulthood. With these quotes, remind them that good things lie ahead, that their education was an important part of their lives, and that they should strive to be present all throughout graduation.

"There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Conan O'Brien

“I am here to tell you that whatever you think your dream is now, it will probably change. And that's okay."

Alicia Keys

“There’s nothing and no one that can stop you from changing the world. I see you. You’re unstoppable.”

“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

Barack Obama

“Decide to ground yourself in values that last, like honesty, hard work, responsibility, fairness, generosity, respect for others.”

LeBron James

“It is time to chase every dream, accept every challenge, strive for greatness, honor every promise, and recommit to your community.”

Taylor Swift

"No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."

Chadwick Boseman

“Savor the taste of your triumphs today, don’t just swallow them all whole without digesting what is actually happening here. Look down over what you conquered and appreciate what God has brought you through.”

Stacey Abrams

"If you can walk away for days, weeks, or years at a time, it is not an ambition, it's a wish. Wishes feel good and rarely come true. Ambition, on the other, fuels your day and refuses to be ignored. It challenges your sense of self and fulfills your sense of wonder."

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”

“We may live in an age of instant messaging, instant gratification, and Instagram, but there is no way to short circuit the path to success.”

Kristian Kan

“In response to those who say to stop dreaming and face reality, I say keep dreaming and make reality.”

Stephen Colbert

"You are about to start the greatest improvisation of all. With no script. No idea what's going to happen, often with people and places you have never seen before. And you are not in control. So say 'yes.' And if you're lucky, you'll find people who will say 'yes' back."

Abraham Lincoln

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

Malcom S. Forbes

“Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.”

Amy Poehler

"You can’t do it alone. Be open to collaboration. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you. Spend a lot of time with them and it will change your life."

Sandra Bullock

"When someone who loves you hugs you, hug them back with two arms — don’t do the one-arm hug, because when you hug someone with two arms, it allows you to lean on somebody, and we all need someone to lean on."

"If we’d all stuck with our first dream, the world would be overrun with cowboys and princesses. So whatever your dream is right now, if you don’t achieve it you haven’t failed and you’re not some loser."

Terri Huggins Hart is an award-winning journalist, lifestyle writer, parenting writer, and race and culture writer who is convinced she's figured out the trick to living life with no regrets: do what you love, give love, lead with love. She's also the writer of an active monthly newsletter sharing tips for motivation and emotional well-being. When not writing, she can be found working out via Zumba or pole dancing, reciting her favorite affirmations and covering her adorable kids in kisses. You can learn more about Terri on her website, TerrificWords.com, or following her on social media @terrificwords.

Shelby Deering is a lifestyle writer who specializes in decor, home tours, wellness, travel, vintage, and feel-good stories for national publications. She’s from Madison, Wisconsin, and when she’s not writing, you’ll find her running local trails, shopping flea markets, or going for walks with her husband and corgi.

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Selection Tips and Some Background Knowledge: Choosing the Perfect PhD Graduation Tam

As scholars embark on their academic journey towards earning a PhD, they dream of the day they will proudly don the regalia that represents their achievements. The PhD graduation tam, a headpiece worn during the graduation ceremony, holds great significance and symbolizes the scholarly accomplishments of the individual. In this article, we will explore the different types of PhD graduation tams, including the 6-sided, 4-sided, and 8-sided options, and provide selection tips to help graduates choose the perfect tam for their special day.

1. Understanding the Importance of the PhD Graduation Tam:

The   PhD graduation tam   is an integral part of the regalia ensemble and holds deep symbolism. The tam, also known as a mortarboard, is a rounded cap with a flat top and a tassel hanging from the center. It is a sign of distinction and represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard work in pursuing a doctoral degree. Choosing the right tam is crucial as it not only enhances one's overall appearance but also showcases the individual's academic achievements in a visually captivating manner.

2. The 6-Sided Doctoral Tam: A Classic and Popular Choice:

The 6-sided doctoral tam, also known as the "cheeseboard" tam, is a classic and widely chosen option by PhD graduates. It features a hexagonal shape and is often made with a firm base that maintains its structure. The 6-sided tam is known for its traditional and elegant look, lending an air of sophistication to the graduation attire. It is a favored choice due to its versatility and ability to match various academic disciplines. Graduates can select the fabric color, such as black or a shade that represents their field of study, to personalize their tam.

3. The 4-Sided Doctoral Tam: A Modern and Sleek Alternative:

The 4-sided doctoral tam is a modern alternative to the classic 6-sided tam. As the name suggests, it features a square-shaped top, giving it a sleek and contemporary appearance. The 4-sided tam is becoming increasingly popular among PhD graduates who seek a more unique and personalized look. It offers a fresh take on the traditional mortarboard while still honoring the academic achievement. Like the 6-sided tam, the choice of fabric color can be selected to represent the graduate's academic discipline.

4. The 8-Sided Graduation Tam: A Premium and Luxurious Option:

For those seeking a premium and luxurious tam option, the 8-sided graduation tam is an excellent choice. This tam features an octagonal shape and is often considered the pinnacle of sophistication and elegance. The 8-sided tam is meticulously crafted with fine attention to detail, making it a symbol of prestige and distinction. It exudes an aura of opulence and is the ideal choice for individuals looking to make a grand statement during their graduation ceremony. Graduates can customize the tam with their preferred fabric color, ensuring it matches their regalia ensemble perfectly.

5. Selection Tips for the Perfect PhD Graduation Tam:

Choosing the perfect PhD graduation tam can seem like a daunting task, but with these selection tips, it becomes easier to find the ideal tam for the special day:

a. Consider Personal Style and Preference: Each individual has a unique style and preference. Choosing a tam that aligns with one's personal taste enhances the overall confidence and comfort during the graduation ceremony.

b. Reflect Academic Discipline: The choice of fabric color for the tam can represent the graduate's academic discipline. Opting for a color that symbolizes the field of study adds a meaningful touch and makes the tam more personalized.

c. Assess Quality and Craftsmanship: Graduation is a significant milestone, and investing in a tam of good quality ensures it will last for years to come. Take time to assess the craftsmanship and materials used to ensure durability and a polished appearance.

The PhD graduation tam is a symbol of scholarly achievement and represents the culmination of years of hard work in earning a doctoral degree. Whether choosing the classic and elegant 6-sided tam, the modern and sleek 4-sided tam, or the luxurious and opulent 8-sided tam, each option offers its own unique charm. By considering personal style, reflecting the academic discipline, and assessing the quality and craftsmanship, graduates can select the perfect tam that not only completes their regalia ensemble but also celebrates their academic accomplishments in a visually striking manner. Let the PhD graduation tam be a testament to the dedication and commitment of each scholar, as they proudly showcase their achievements on this momentous day.

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65 Inspiring Graduation Wishes to Write in Their Card

Say congratulations with these heartfelt expressions.

Funny Messages for Graduation Cards

Wise words for graduates, sentimental sayings for graduation, inspiring quotes for graduates.

Graduation is a major life milestone, and it certainly calls for anyone and everyone to say, "Congratulations, Graduate!" But what to write in a graduation card to best express how incredibly proud you are of this achievement years in the making, be it from high school or college ? We're here to help with 61 examples of personal messages, from sweet to funny, for you to choose from or tweak to make your own. Whichever one you select, it will make just the right inspirational touch to go with a cash gift in a card or a special present you've selected to commemorate your graduate's achievements and their new chapter ahead.

Our list of graduation wishes ends with a set of inspirational quotes that might be just the words you are looking for, or you can peruse more quotes about graduation too. So select the best words for this graduate in particular, pull out a favorite pen, and get to writing before the celebration begins (check out our Best Graduation Party Ideas to Celebrate the Guest of Honor for more on that). Your graduate is sure to appreciate the special touch of a personal message!

Graduation Wishes and Congratulations

• Oh the places you will go! Congratulations on your graduation.
• Congratulations on graduating and here's to your next adventure!
• You're a class act!
• Best of luck on your new beginnings!
• You did it, Graduate! Congratulations!
• We're so proud of you, and honored to celebrate graduation day with you!
• You are a star in the making! Congrats and shine on!
• Caps off to you, Graduate!
• Congratulations on your big day! We knew you could do it!
• Cheers to the new graduate! Best wishes for your future!
• Bravo! What an outstanding achievement!
• Congratulations - the sky is your limit! Fly high!
• Cheers to four years!
• Congrats and may all your dreams come true!
• High five and hugs! You did it!
• Nothing can stop you now, Graduate! Keep reaching for the stars!
• The world is your oyster! Kudos on your big day!

• You're one smart cookie!
• A toast to the graduate! Do you prefer white or wheat?
• Why did the graduate cross the road? To move back in with her parents.
• Here’s to the end of eating Top Ramen!
• My hope for you is that your awesome memories of college last longer than your student loans.
• Isn’t it amazing how far people can go with Google and Wikipedia around to help?
• Congratulations on your graduation. Education is the key to unlocking your potential. The diploma helps a wee bit also.
• Congrats on filling a minimum job requirement!
• I lost a bet. You graduated.
• Hard work: check! Diploma: check! Make some money: more checks!
• I hate to break it to you, but that was the easiest part of your adult life.
• Who would have thought that in just six years you'd graduate. That was way faster than I expected.
• The tassel is worth the hassle! You did it!

• Follow your heart. It knows the way.
• Before you act, listen. Before you react, think. Before you criticize, wait. And, before you quit, try.
• Always remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you’ll ever know.
• Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
• With love and patience, nothing is impossible.
• May you always dare to do great things with your life.
• Life is a journey and only you hold the map.
• Shoot for the stars and if you miss you’ll land among stars.
• Graduation isn’t the end of a tough journey. It is the beginning of a beautiful one.
• Take your time celebrating. Take it easy for a while. Then get ready to take on the world!

• With grit and determination like yours, nothing can hold you back. On to the next adventure!
• We're proud of your achievements, but even more proud of the person you've become.
• May you celebrate graduation recalling fond memories from your past and dreaming exciting visions of your future.
• We can't wait to see what's next in your journey.
• Go into the world and do well, but more importantly, go into the world and do good.
• Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you can go.
• It has been a privilege to watch you grow into the person you are today.
• Let your dream be your wings to carry you into the future.
• From when you were a child until today, you have only given us reason to hold our heads up in pride.
• Your graduation day is a proud day for you and a dream come true for our family.

• “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain
• “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C.S. Lewis
• “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” — Confucius
• “All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
• “The old rules are crumbling and nobody knows what the new rules are. So make up your own rules.” — Neil Gaiman
• “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
• “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.” — Thomas Jefferson
• “Go forth and set the world on fire.” — St. Ignatius Loyola
• “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” — Babe Ruth
• “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” — Anthony Robbins
• “Be bold, be courageous, be your best.” — Gabrielle Giffords
• “Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.” — Leonardo da Vinci
• “It is absolutely still possible to make a difference.” — Michelle Obama
• “Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.” — Steve Jobs

Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.

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Congratulations Messages for PhD or Doctorate Degree

PhD Congratulations Message : Earning a Ph.D. degree is a big stepping stone towards a brighter future. Congratulate them on achieving the doctorate degree and becoming a doctor of their own destiny. Send them warm congratulatory wishes while acknowledging their hardship and sacrifices. Appreciate your brother, sister, husband, wife, son, daughter, teacher, friends, or any beloved ones for achieving their doctorate degree and make them feel great about such a great accomplishment. Earning a doctorate is not easy, so appreciate all their efforts by congratulating them on their big achievement!

PhD Congratulations Message

Congratulations on achieving your PhD. I have seen you working hard day and night and now all the hardship has paid well, proud of you.

Congratulations on your hard-earned Doctorate degree! May this be the stepping stone of your future endeavors!

Congratulations {PUT NAME}! May this Ph.D. be the beginning of many more successful endeavors.

Congratulations on successfully completing your Ph.D. and making us all proud. You have always been so dedicated and sure it is very inspiring indeed.

Your long-cherished dream of becoming a Ph.D. holder has finally come true. Many congratulations on your success. You’ve inspired all of us not only to dream but also to work hard to achieve them.

You left no stone unturned in these years and I want you to know that I am extremely proud of you. Congratulations on earning your PHD.

Your hard work has finally paid off! Congratulations on your Ph.D. and best wishes for the future.

I am extremely proud of you for successfully completing your doctorate. May God help you to achieve your other dreams too. Love you.

You never took pride in your achievements but it is time to feel proud. You have nailed it and outshined us all. Proud of you, mate.

Congratulations on shining bright and scoring this PhD Degree. It seems all your hard work has paid off at last. So proud of you my dear brother.

My warmest congratulations for making it to the end and achieving your degree. All the hardship has paid off lavishly, proud to call you my sister.

Your dream of holding a doctorate degree by your name has finally been fulfilled. I cannot be any prouder than I am today. Love you so much.

Dear Son, heartiest congratulations on earning a PhD degree. It was never easy but did not give up. May God bless you forever. Love you.

Congratulations on your Ph.D. dear daughter! I am so proud of you, and I believe that you are destined to do many more great things.

Congratulations on earning a doctorate degree. Thank you for setting such a great example, teacher. Many happy returns of such a remarkable success.

Congratulations on completing your PhD! Your compassion and perseverance are truly fascinating!

Years of labor and endurance have finally brought you this honorable success! Congratulations, doctor!

Congratulations on your remarkable achievement! I appreciate your persistent hard work!

This doctorate degree ensures a bright future with lots of money for you! You’ve got wings now and you can soar high, Mr. Doctor. Congratulations!

It is a great pleasure and honor to hear that all your hardship finally has finally paid off with this Ph.D. degree. May God bless you and help you achieve more in life.

Congratulations on earning a doctorate degree, dear husband. You are and always will be a source of inspiration for me.

I am thrilled to know about your huge triumph! Congratulations! Your achievement is extraordinary!

Sending my warmest greetings for proving yourself over and over again. Many happy returns of this day and once again congratulations on achieving a Ph.D. Degree.

Congratulations Message for Doctor Degree

Congratulations on your doctorate degree! This is surely one of many achievements to come!

Congratulations on your doctorate degree! Your hardships have paid off and lead you to the epitome of your academic journey! Good luck ahead!

Congratulations on earning your doctorate and making us all proud! You are truly an inspiration to everyone around you.

Congratulations on nailing another successful chapter of your life! I am immensely proud of you and your doctorate.

Seeing the Dr. before your name makes me feel proud. Congratulations on your doctorate!

Congratulations! You have proven to the world that hard work can fulfill any dream!

Congratulations on your doctorate degree! You always stand up to your reputation and make us proud!

Success comes to those who have earned it with their ceaseless effort. Congratulations and good luck!

Congratulations on attaining your Doctorate degree! Your hard work, patience, and perseverance were bound to bear fruit! We are proud of this success!

A hearty congratulations on your doctorate degree! You have marveled at us with your incredible dedication and hard work!

PhD Congratulations Card Messages

Nothing makes me prouder than seeing you shine brightly. Congratulations on your Ph.D. I’m glad for you!

Congratulations to you on becoming a PhD holder! I hope all the struggles are worth this drill and now you can soar higher than ever. Best wishes for the future.

I knew that you would achieve every success in life, and I am happy to see you shine. Congratulations on your Ph.D.!

Congratulations on achieving your doctorate degree. Now that you have completed such a milestone, I pray you find happiness and satisfaction in life as well.

You have proved again how dedicated and strong-willed you are. Congratulations on earning your Ph.D. I am truly happy for your success.

You truly have proved your self-dedication and perseverance, dear sister. May God bless you to achieve all the success that is waiting for you. Congratulations on your PHD.

Thank you for proving once again how strong and dedicated you are when it comes to achieving your goals. I love you so much, son. Congratulations on your degree.

Congratulation on such a major success. Your hardship and efforts have finally paid you off with a doctorate degree in your hand. Love you so much.

Thank you for holding our heads high and achieving the Ph.D. Your courage and dedication have led you to earn this, extremely proud of you.

Funny PhD Wishes

Congratulations on your PhD! I’m sure your body has more coffee running than blood by now!

Congratulations! Glad that you have obtained your doctorate before going completely bald!

If you have survived pursuing a Ph.D., life cannot knock you down anymore! Congratulations!

Congratulations on completing your PhD! Rest your brain for a while lest it short-circuits!

Ph.D. is like labor pain; the process is hard, but it’s all worth it in the end! Congratulations on your Ph.D. completion!

Congratulations! Now that you have attained your degree, it’s time to meet the outside world!

Although you have become a doctor now, refrain from performing CPR! Congratulations!

PhD Completion Best Wishes and Proud Messages

Best wishes for your PhD! Your burning passion speaks through your achievement!

Congratulations on attaining your PhD! May this accomplishment encourage you to thrive more in the future! My best wishes go to you!

Congratulations on receiving your hard-earned PhD! May you do wonders for the world!

Congratulations on your PhD! Best wishes for the upcoming triumphs and endeavors!

This milestone was not easy to reach, but you never stopped running. Congratulations and best wishes!

Congratulations on obtaining your PhD! We are delighted to see your excellent academic performance throughout the journey.

We are overjoyed to know about your academic performance! Congratulations on your Ph.D.! You have certainly made us the proudest peers ever!

Your accomplishments never fail to amaze us! Congratulations on your successful completion of your Ph.D.!

PhD/Doctor Degree Congratulations Wishes for Social Media

Weldone for successfully completing your PhD. I’m proud of you.

Finnaly, you nailed it! Congratulations Doctor on your hard-earned doctoral degree.

The journey wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Congratulations on earning your Ph.D.!

You are smarter than most people, and now you have a Ph.D. to prove it! Congratulations and best wishes to you.

Congratulations, Dr. You have worked hard to go this far in life and deserve to be proud of yourself.

This is a prestigious degree, and you have earned it like a champ! Congratulations and much love to you.

Achieving a doctorate degree is not an easy deal. One has to sacrifice a lot to earn this. After all the hardship, the person achieving a Ph.D. deserves to be praised wholeheartedly. Sending some congratulatory messages with your warm and enthusiastic words will make the moment more cheerful. A Ph.D. or Doctorate is the highest form of education that anyone can ever get and this is not just a degree. As the degree will bring a new perspective into one’s life, let him/her enjoy the moment for achieving the hard-earned doctorate degree. Send some sweet and warm Ph.D. congratulatory messages to make them feel great about themselves as such a degree should be celebrated without any doubt. Years of hard work finally result in such an achievement so salute it. Let’s wish them a day full of sunshine a pocket full of dreams and congratulate them with encouraging words right from your heart.

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PhD students earn major NSF graduate research fellowships

Three Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering graduate students have received 2024 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships for their promising quantum and metameterial antennas research.  

This year, the NSF awarded 27 students from CU Boulder , including 18 from the College of Engineering and Applied Science with the 2024 graduate research fellowship, a prestigious award recognizing students in a wide variety of STEM disciplines, exploring some of the most pressing issues of our time. 

Each recipient will receive three years of financial support, including an annual stipend of $37,000, as well as professional development and research opportunities.

Aliza Siddiqui

Advisor: Joshua Combes Lab: Combes Group

Bio: Siddiqui is a first-year PhD student with a research concentration in Quantum Engineering and Architecture. She graduated from Louisiana State University, home of the Tigers, with a degree in computer science.

My proposal involves creating a new benchmarking/testing framework for the next generation of error-corrected quantum computers. Given the noise of physical qubits, recent work has suggested combining the state of several physical qubits to create a logical qubit. I will collaborate with Dr. Josh Combes and Sandia National Labs for my PhD. Through this work, the quantum community will have a tool-kit that will help us determine how well a quantum computer performs, diagnose what and where the issues are and create solutions to realize full-scale, error-corrected quantum systems. 

Dylan Meyer

Advisor: Scott Diddams Lab: Frequency Comb & Quantum Metrology Lab

Bio: Meyer is a first-year PhD student in the FCQM group. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Electrical Engineering.

My research proposal is the development of highly stable and robust millimeter wave time and frequency (T&F) transfer, supporting T&F transfer between atomic clocks. T&F transfer is used to create clock networks that are essential for positioning and navigation, such as GPS and essential infrastructure like the Internet and power grid. These technologies support up to $1 billion dollars of trade and financial transactions a day. In addition, these clock networks are capable of fundamental science experiments capable of probing new and exciting questions related to physics and geodesy.

Advisors:  Cody Scarborough and Robert MacCurdy Lab Groups:  EMRG and MAClab

Bio:  Pham received their Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, where he conducted research on RF filters. After graduating, he worked for 3 years in industry as an RF engineer developing radar systems. He will begin his PhD this fall 2024. 

My research proposal is on the application of multi-material additive manufacturing techniques for metamaterial antennas. Metamaterial antennas are capable of more sophisticated capabilities and unique form-factors compared to conventional antennas. By leveraging multi-material additive manufacturing, there are more degrees-of-freedom for the shape and composition of the metamaterials. This research would enhance the design flexibility and capabilities of next-generation antennas to meet the growing performance demands of future wireless systems.

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Trump Never Attended Any of His Children's High School or College Graduations?

The former president's complaint that he might be unable to attend his son barron's high school graduation due to his trial spawned misinformation., alex kasprak, published april 18, 2024.

About this rating

With one possible exception, Trump has been present at each of his children's high school and college graduations, according to contemporaneous reports and the recollections of other attendees.

In the early days of Donald Trump's New York criminal fraud trial in April 2024 — related to alleged hush-money payments made to adult-film star Stormy Daniels — the former president falsely claimed  the judge had informed him he would not be able to attend his son Barron's high school graduation. 

Trump's assertion resulted in the widespread claim, captured in " copypasta ," that Trump never attended any of his other children's graduations. Most of the copy-and-pasted text made the claim about only high school events: 

In '96 Don Jr graduated from the Hill School. His Father didn't attend graduation. In '00 Ivanka graduated from Choate. Trump didn't attend graduation. In '02 Eric graduated. Trump didn't attend graduation. In '12, Tiffany graduated from Viewpoint School. Trump didn't attend…

Other variations of the claim included  college graduations, as well. 

These claims were false. They are contradicted by reports that appeared in print at the time of the graduations, by the published recollections of former students and by the memoirs of Trump family members. 

An extensive search by Snopes provides documented evidence of Trump attending all of his children's high school and college graduations, with the possible exception of Donald Trump Jr.'s 1996 high school graduation. 

In that case, however, Donald Trump — who may have been busy with an event celebrating the launch of Trump's World's Fair Casino — did visit his son's school during his final semester, before his graduation, to give a Career Day talk. In her memoir, Trump's first wife , Ivana,  wrote  about school events that "my rule was that someone — me, Donald, the nannies, my parents, or a combination — had to be at every one." 

Donald Trump Jr.

Donald Trump Jr. attended a private Pennsylvania boarding school named The Hill School and graduated in May 1996. Snopes has yet to identify any reporting placing the elder Trump at the graduation ceremony, but a widely syndicated May 1996 column critical of him shows that he was a speaker for the school's Career Day that spring:

A quarterly newspaper called Hill Ties, is mostly devoted to Career Day '96, and quotes from the keynote address, delivered by "Mr. Donald Trump, father of Don '96." On its first page, the newspaper took what it apparently considered the most worthwhile (for it quoted no other) passage from the speech: "I think I know a little something about life," said Trump, who inherited a reported $7-million from his father and went onward and upward from there.  "You can't give up," Trump continued. "You are going to have times when you feel there's no light at the end of the tunnel. I had times like that and I had a choice: I could sit in the corner with my thumb in my mouth, or I could fight. My advice to you is: Punch like hell and don't take no for an answer." 

Donald Trump Jr. graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School in May 2000. Donald Trump's attendance was noted by the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Donald Trump, ex-wife Ivana, their kids Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric plus six others limoed to Old City's Novelty for Sunday brunch after Junior's graduation from Dad's alma mater, the Wharton School. Donald the Lesser picked Bruce Cooper's new joint because he liked hanging out there.

Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump went to The Choate School for high school — a private boarding school in Connecticut. A Choate student news publication from 2016 recalled Donald Trump's attendance at her graduation ceremony, citing classmate Stephen Farrell:

The only time I saw Donald Trump on campus was at graduation with his security guard. He conveyed the exact same image he does now as a presidential candidate, of importance and self-satisfaction.

Ivanka Trump graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School in May 2004. The Philadelphia Daily News  reported on Donald Trump's attendance at this graduation: 

Wharton grad/former model Ivanka Trump will be leaving her apartment at the Left Bank for one that her father, Donald, bought her a few months back. The Donald and ex-wife Ivana attended a Wharton ceremony Sunday at which their daughter got her degree. The proud parents also took in Penn's commencement Monday at Franklin Field.

Like Don Jr., Eric Trump attended The Hill School, graduating in 2002. Trump's attendance at this graduation ceremony was described in 2017 in a City & State New York report about Eric Trump's life:

When Donald and Ivana dropped him off in 1997, as knowing parents whispered and giggled at the celebrity sighting, Donald Trump asked Eric's 13-year-old roommate, "Are you going to take care of my boy?" Students recall he wouldn't return to Hill until Eric's graduation day in 2002, an event his mother missed, apparently for the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix, a student recalled and news reports suggest.

Eric Trump went to Georgetown University, graduating in 2006. Trump attended this ceremony as well, according to a wire report  published in a variety of newspapers: 

Flash! Eric Trump (yes, those Trumps) graduated Saturday from Georgetown University with (what else?) a business degree, and the extended clan turned out en masse for the festivities: proud pop Donald and wife Melania, mom Ivana, older brother Donald Jr. and his bride Vanessa, and sis Ivanka.

Tiffany Trump

Tiffany Trump attended the private Viewpoint School in Los Angeles, graduating in 2012. In a Los Angeles Times opinion piece published  in November 2016, a classmate recalled Trump's attendance at the graduation:

Dear Donald, I'm sure you don't remember me. You sat in the third row of my high school graduation wearing a loud salmon pink tie. Your daughter Tiffany and I had spent six years together at Viewpoint School, a small bastion of privilege nestled alongside Mulholland Highway. As you watched the ceremony, you probably didn't think it was even possible that an undocumented student would be receiving the same prestigious diploma as your daughter.

Tiffany Trump also graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, receiving her degree in May 2016. Her graduation, occurring during her father's 2016 presidential run, was covered widely by the press, including this report from Yahoo News:

Donald Trump's youngest daughter is officially a college graduate. Tiffany Trump, whose mother is Marla Maples, received her bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania on Sunday. …  Ivanka shared a photo of the siblings on Instagram with the caption: "So proud of my beautiful and brilliant sister @tiffanytrump on her graduation today. We all love you very much." In addition to Ivanka, Tiffany's mother, Marla Maples, was in attendance, as well as the presidential candidate, his current wife, Melania, and their son, Barron.

Because Donald Trump's presence is documented at all but one of his children's graduation ceremonies, we rate claims that he did not attend any such ceremonies as "False."

Cornejo, Diana Delgado. "Opinion: To Donald Trump, from the Undocumented Immigrant Who Graduated alongside Your Daughter."  Los Angeles Times , 8 Nov. 2016, https://www.latimes.com/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-undocumented-donald-trump-tiffany-20161108-story.html.

"Flash! Eric Trump." Democrat and Chronicle, 24 May 2006, p. 2. newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-flash-eric-trump/145548553/.

Hagan-Brown '18, Amy. "Choate Dad Runs for President." The Choate News, 8 Apr. 2016, https://thechoatenews.choate.edu/2016/04/08/choate-dad-runs-for-president/.

"Ivanka Headin' Back To New York." Philadelphia Daily News, 19 May 2004, p. 39. newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/article/philadelphia-daily-news-ivanka-headin-b/145547724/.

"Locally Connected." The Philadelphia Inquirer, 23 May 2000, p. 42. newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-locally-connec/145479490/.

"So Rich, yet Still so Clueless." Tampa Bay Times, 5 May 1996, p. 105. newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-so-rich-yet-still-so-cl/145602295/.

"The President's Son: How Eric Became a Trump." City & State NY, 29 Sept. 2017, https://www.cityandstateny.com/personality/2017/09/the-presidents-son-how-eric-became-a-trump/181794/.

"Tiffany Trump Wore Ivanka Trump Flats at Her College Graduation." Yahoo Life, 16 May 2016, https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/tiffany-trump-wore-ivanka-trump-flats-to-her-173354396.html.

Trump, Ivana. Raising Trump. Simon and Schuster, 2017.

"Trump World's Fair Open." Press of Atlantic City, 15 May 1996, p. 29. newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-of-atlantic-city-trump-worlds-fai/145602688/.

By Alex Kasprak

Alex Kasprak is an investigative journalist and science writer reporting on scientific misinformation, online fraud, and financial crime.

Article Tags

Travis and Jason Kelce ‘graduate’ from college during a surprise ceremony in Cincinnati

The Kelce brothers took their podcast to their alma mater this week and the live show ended with a surprise — a long-overdue college graduation ceremony at the University of Cincinnati.

Travis and Jason Kelce returned to the university Thursday night to record a live episode of their podcast, “New Heights,” in front of thousands of fans at the Fifth Third Arena.

The live taping concluded with a surprise graduation ceremony for the football stars, during which they were both dressed in the classic graduation cap and gown.

University of Cincinnati President Neville Pinto — also in traditional graduation garb — presented the brothers with their diplomas, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported . Their parents, Donna and Ed Kelce, and UC athletic director John Cunningham joined them onstage for the mini ceremony.

After hugging Pinto but before grabbing his diploma, Travis Kelce downed an entire beer as “Fight for Your Right” by The Beastie Boys blared over the arena’s speakers.

Jason Kelce attended UC from 2006 to 2010 and Travis Kelce from 2008 to 2012, according to the university . The brothers played football for the school and shared the field for two years while their educations overlapped.

According to the Enquirer, Jason Kelce earned a marketing degree, but wasn’t able to make it to the commencement ceremony, and Travis Kelce finished his outstanding credits to complete his degree in interdisciplinary studies from the College of Arts and Sciences in 2022.

“A surprise commencement we’ll never forget,” the Cincinnati Bearcats said on social media alongside a carousel of images from the event.

“Congratulations to Travis and Jason on (finally) picking up their diplomas!”

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

2022 UChicago graduate selected as 2024 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow

April 17, 2024

By Andy Brown

Assistant Director, College Communications

Russell Legate-Yang, AB’22, has been selected as a 2024 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow, which will support him in his doctoral studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Since 1998, the  Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans has honored the contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants to the United States by investing in the graduate education of 30 New Americans each year. 

Legate-Yang is one of 30  2024 Soros Fellows , who were chosen for their achievements and their potential to make significant contributions to U.S. society, culture or their academic fields. With 2,323 applicants and a 1.3% selection rate, this year’s cycle is among the most competitive in the fellowship’s 26-year history. Each Soros Fellow will receive up to $90,000 in funding to support their graduate studies at institutions across the country.

The son of Canadian and Chinese immigrants, Legate-Yang graduated from the College with an AB in Economics and Mathematics, both with Honors, in 2022.

The highly competitive fellowship will support Legate-Yang’s pursuit of a Ph.D. in economics. It will also connect him with other fellowship winners, who will gather for town halls, local meetups, campus visits and the annual Fall Conference in New York City.

Legate-Yang’s research focuses on understanding and improving K-12 public school effectiveness. He says his work is urgent, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic reversed decades of learning gains and exacerbated already large education gaps.

“Targeted recovery efforts require that we first understand what works and why: Why do learning losses persist? Which schools and programs effectively help students?” he said. “We only get a few chances to pick a new neighborhood, job, or school, and we cannot run experiments in our lives to decide. We need research to help us make effective and informed decisions.”

Legate-Yang, from Swarthmore, Pa., said he learned to apply rigorous methods to study intractable problems as a student in the College. His dual-major coursework in math and economics helped him develop an analytical mindset and build a methodological toolkit for research, while the Core Curriculum pushed him to think more broadly about social structures and approach problems from different perspectives. 

“Through diverse research projects in economics, political science and public policy, and especially my honors economics thesis, I learned to separate cause from chance in data and connect academic work to practical problems,” he said.

After graduating in 2022, Legate-Yang joined Blueprint Labs at MIT to study K-12 public school effectiveness with economists Josh Angrist and Parag Pathak. He also worked with New York City Public Schools to revamp the city’s school ratings system for its over 1,700 public schools and 1 million students. 

The revamped system considers students’ starting points before they enroll in a school, and will soon be deployed by the city for use by students, families and education policymakers.

Graduate school and the Soros Fellowship will help Legate-Yang prepare for a career committed to advancing social good and giving back to communities that he said paved the way for him to reach this point. 

“I'm incredibly thrilled and grateful to join this community of Fellows,” he said. “I would like to thank my family, Baba, Mom and Vivian, for encouraging me, allowing me, and teaching me to do what I’m passionate about every day. Thanks to my friends for having fun with me through it. And thanks to my partner Krithika, who inspires my life. I’d also like to thank my mentors and colleagues, whose investment in my work empowered me.”

In addition to being selected as a Soros Fellow, Legate-Yang was also chosen this year for the  National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program , which will support his graduate studies. 

Legate-Yang received interview support from the  College Center for Research and Fellowships  (CCRF), which supports College students and alums who apply for nationally competitive fellowships.