This is a term utilized to describe a student who is in the post-secondary school phase and is currently registered in a two- or four-year degree program at an institution of higher learning, which eventually culminates in the awarding of an associate or bachelor’s degree.
Undergraduate classes are generally less individualized and much larger. Sometimes, undergraduate students may need to carry out a senior project activity. Also, it’s relatively easier for these students than graduate students to change major subjects and to move to a new school during a program.
An undergraduate student can earn an associate’s degree (also known as a 2-year degree) after finishing two full-time years at a university or college. These first two years generally consist of core classes or general education. These are the general classes that lots of students need to take regardless of the degree they’re ultimately pursuing.
Students can earn a bachelor’s degree (also called a 4-year degree) after completing four full-time years at a college or university. If a student has already obtained an associate’s degree, they may only have around two more years to complete as a full-time student before earning the bachelor’s degree. If an undergraduate student enrolls in a 4-year university from the beginning, they will probably work straight through toward their bachelor’s degree. This means the student will likely stay at the same university for their freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years of college.
For most undergraduate students looking for financial aid, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first priority. The FAFSA may be a student’s gateway to both federal loans and a federal Pell Grant. Federal loans offer some of the best repayment options available in the market. A student doesn’t need to repay the money they receive from a Pell Grant as long as it’s properly utilized. It’s awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and a student needs to re-apply for a Pell Grant each year they want one by submitting the FAFSA.
Undergraduate students can also apply for scholarships to get financial aid. It’s generally beneficial to apply for all the scholarships a student can find. Even if a student has the eligibility for a full Pell Grant that’ll cover the entire cost of their college degrees, it may still be a wise decision to apply for scholarships. Scholarships will be applied first to their expenses, and then the Pell Grant will be utilized if they still owe anything.
