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These talented stars made their higher education a priority and sought out the most exclusive institutions in America to do so. Here are 12 celebrities who attended Ivy-League schools. (Photos: WENN)
These talented stars made their higher education a priority and sought out the most exclusive institutions in America to do so. Here are 12 celebrities who attended Ivy-League schools. (Photos: WENN)
Mindy Kaling studied Latin at Dartmouth before switching to theater. She graduated in 2001 with a degree in playwriting. (Photo: WENN)
Mindy Kaling studied Latin at Dartmouth before switching to theater. She graduated in 2001 with a degree in playwriting. (Photo: WENN)
John Legend nabbed scholarships from Harvard and Georgetown before deciding to attend the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with a degree in English. (Photo: WENN)
John Legend nabbed scholarships from Harvard and Georgetown before deciding to attend the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with a degree in English. (Photo: WENN)
Natalie Portman attended Harvard University, where she earned a degree in psychology in 2003. “I I’d rather be smart than a movie star,” she’s said. (Photo: WENN)
Natalie Portman attended Harvard University, where she earned a degree in psychology in 2003. “I I’d rather be smart than a movie star,” she’s said. (Photo: WENN)
Lupita Nyong’o attended Yale School of Drama, where she received a masters in acting. She was obviously paying attention in class. (Photo: WENN)
Lupita Nyong’o attended Yale School of Drama, where she received a masters in acting. She was obviously paying attention in class. (Photo: WENN)
Rashida Jones studied religion and philosophy at Harvard but graduated in 1997 with a degree in acting. She wrote scores for the university’s well-known Hasty Pudding Club. (Photo: WENN)
Rashida Jones studied religion and philosophy at Harvard but graduated in 1997 with a degree in acting. She wrote scores for the university’s well-known Hasty Pudding Club. (Photo: WENN)
Two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster attended Yale University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in literature in 1985. (Photo: WENN)
Two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster attended Yale University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in literature in 1985. (Photo: WENN)
James Franco got his MFA from Columbia University in 2010—years after he was already famous. (Photo: WENN)
James Franco got his MFA from Columbia University in 2010—years after he was already famous. (Photo: WENN)
Tracee Ellis Ross graduated from Brown University and returned to her alma mater in 2015 to receive an honorary doctorate degree. (Photo: WENN)
Tracee Ellis Ross graduated from Brown University and returned to her alma mater in 2015 to receive an honorary doctorate degree. (Photo: WENN)
Emma Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English in 2014. She ended up taking five years to finish because of her acting jobs. (Photo: WENN)
Emma Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English in 2014. She ended up taking five years to finish because of her acting jobs. (Photo: WENN)
Before she was creating some of the biggest shows on TV, Shonda Rhimes was graduating from Dartmouth in 1991. (Photo: WENN)
Before she was creating some of the biggest shows on TV, Shonda Rhimes was graduating from Dartmouth in 1991. (Photo: WENN)In the midst of the college admission scandal, which exposed Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman along with dozens of parents accused of paying bribes to get their children into top colleges, is easy to fall for the idea that all celebrities can just buy their way into big-name universities. However, these celebrities who attended Ivy League schools prove fame and brains aren’t mutually exclusive.
These talented stars made their higher education a priority and sought out the most exclusive institutions in America to do so. Click through our photo gallery above to learn about 12 celebrities who attended Ivy League schools— no bribes needed.