Does a young man's development of his certificate to a bachelor's degree out of a desire for social status make him one of those who will be questioned about their knowledge on the Day of Resurrection?

The forbidden riya' (showing off) is specific to acts of worship. As for seeking status and position through worldly matters like seeking livelihood or knowledge, it is not absolutely forbidden; rather, it can be permissible, an act of obedience, or blameworthy depending on the intention. Al-Ghazali explained that seeking status in matters other than worship is like seeking wealth: it can be praiseworthy if it is little, enabling its owner to be safe from afflictions, as Yusuf (peace be upon him) did. It can also be blameworthy if it distracts, causes tyranny, and leads its owner to engage in impermissible acts. Therefore, it is advised to develop one's certificate and benefit from what is useful, while striving to purify the heart from attachment to seeking status and avoiding excessive self-accusation.