when you compare two things, make sure they are pitted against each other under similar circumstances: pursuing UG degree with scholarships --- not all that challenging (attend the classes, do your assignments regularly, be attentive and you'll get good grades)..don't need to worry about your finances...make sure you get good enough grades and that's pretty much it. pursuing Graduate degree with assitantships (TA/GA/RA) ---apart from the pressure from classes (which is also prevelant during UG years), you have to prove your worth as a researcher, be able to produce unique work by yourself, publish paprers and all. as oys said, it needs a lot of patience, discipline and hardwork. 2 years Masters degree is faiirly easy if you go for non-thesis (project option). 4/5 years doctoral research for a phd is a totally different story altogether. my humble opinion. LooTe high-school drop-out