Is a university student's desire to be first in their university considered part of the "haughtiness" (ʿuluww) mentioned in the verse: "That Abode of the Hereafter We shall assign to those who do not desire haughtiness [ʿuluww] in the land or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous" (Qur’an 28:83)? And what is the difference between this haughtiness and ambition?

The desire to excel over peers is not considered an act of seeking dominance on earth or spreading corruption therein, provided it is free from pride, vanity, arrogance, and the love of fame. There is a difference between the desire for high standing and leadership in goodness, and the reprehensible desire for dominance on earth, which is arrogance and tyranny, as affirmed by Allah's saying: "That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltation in the earth or corruption. And the [best] outcome is for the righteous." (28:83). Whereas the desire for high standing and leadership in religion is permissible and sought after.