Celebs Who Went Back to School—And What They Studied
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Some of the most well-known people in the world have made education a primary priority, so it’s not just regular students hitting the books and wandering through college campuses when the back-to-school season begins. These celebrities demonstrate that learning is a lifelong process, whether they are attending red carpet events or leaving a professional athletic game. Here are some well-known celebrities who returned to college and what they earned, providing motivation for other students everywhere.
Megan Thee Stallion: Grad and Hottie Scholar
In 2021, rapper Megan Thee Stallion graduated from Texas Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in Health Management, balancing fame and finals. Her accomplishment was dedicated to her late mother and grandparents, who consistently emphasized the importance of education.
In USA Today, "Getting an education is incredibly important to me. I still have academic goals that I want to achieve, so if I can use my resources to open doors and create opportunities for at least one student, then it’s a victory," said the rapper.
By donating a full-ride scholarship to the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports and Entertainment for students interested in the music industry, she has not only completed her degree but also contributed to the funding of others' degrees.
Yara Shahidi: Balancing Hollywood and Harvard
In addition to portraying a college student on TV, Yara Shahidi is a real-life college student. In 2018, the activist and actor enrolled at Harvard University to study African American Studies and Social Studies with an emphasis on Black political philosophy.
She told Vogue, “My thesis was a moment to connect these past four years of education to something that connects to what I’m passionate about, and have ground myself in my entire life.”
Stephen Curry: Finishing What He Started
Stephen Curry, the point player for the Golden State Warriors, honored his word to complete his degree even though he left Davidson College early to join the NBA. More than ten years after leaving school, Curry earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2022. After his comeback, Davidson even retired his jersey. He described the experience as top-notch, according to ESPN
Nick Cannon: Higher Ed with Honor
Nick Cannon, a TV host and rapper, studied at Howard University in 2016 and earned a degree in Criminology and Administration of Justice in 2020. He spoke out about the value of Black education during his time in college.
According to ABCNews, Cannon stated during a commencement speech, “ I just tried to have a real connection with my fellow 2020 graduates to let them know that even in the midst of a pandemic, their achievements shouldn't be [slighted] ... or overlooked."
These celebrities serve as a reminder that learning never ends and that even the most well-known people are prepared to work hard in order to develop, change and follow their passions outside of the spotlight.
