The term 'Degree Holder, For Short' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: ALUM and GRAD. An ALUM is an informal term for an alumnus or alumna, which is a person who has graduated from a school, college, or university. A GRAD is an informal term for a graduate, which is a person who has completed a course of study at a school, college, or university. Both terms refer to people who have achieved a degree or diploma from an educational institution.