SKIP TO CONTENT

collegian

/kəˈlidʒən/
IPA guide

Other forms: collegians

A collegian is a student at a college or university. It could also be a former college student: in other words, an alumnus.

Are you a high school student? If so, you're not a collegian, which is a word for someone who is enrolled at a college (or is a graduate). People who go to universities are also called collegians: the key part is that you're part of higher education. If you dropped out of college, you probably wouldn’t call yourself a collegian. This word suggests you are getting or have received a college degree.

Definitions of collegian
  1. noun
    a student (or former student) at a college or university
    see moresee less
    types:
    college student, university student
    a student enrolled in a college or university
    grad student, graduate student, postgraduate
    a student who continues studies after graduation
    undergrad, undergraduate
    a university student who has not yet received a first degree
    co-ed, college girl
    a female student at a coeducational college or university
    lowerclassman, underclassman
    an undergraduate who is not yet a senior
    matriculate
    someone who has been admitted to a college or university
    senior
    an undergraduate student during the year preceding graduation
    practice teacher, student teacher
    a college student who is teaching under the supervision of a certified teacher in order to qualify for a degree in education
    type of:
    educatee, pupil, student
    a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘collegian'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family