From a taxation perspective, yes. If it’s earned income, then the university should put the “student” on a W2 and pay then as such. Otherwise, it’s unearned income and I mean “unearned” in terms of tax treatment; that doesn’t imply that it isn’t deserved. A day trader makes unearned income, but nobody could argue that doing that isn’t “work.” But the IRS still considers that also unearned.

I am all in favor of cutting taxes on unearned income. However ironically, those most opposed to that also like to complain when it’s their unearned income being taxed as in the case of a stipend or fellowship.