Journey through the halls of one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world - Princeton University! But what truly makes Princeton shine are the countless luminaries who have walked its campus, leaving indelible marks on the world stage. From trailblazing scientists to visionary politicians, Princeton University’s alumni roster reads like a who's who of global influence. So join us as we embark on a captivating exploration of some of Princeton's most notable graduates, each with a story that's as fascinating as it is inspiring. Discover the extraordinary individuals who have made this list of Princeton University notable alumni!
Top 15 Princeton University Notable Alumni
Princeton is one of the major Ivy League universities in the states and is one of the universities with a low acceptance rate in the USA. Making the cut for this institution can be difficult. However, there are some gems that have made the cut and succeeded in the world. These are some of the Princeton university notable alumni you need to know!
1. Woodrow Wilson
Who they are: Writer, University teacher, academic, teacher, politician
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in 1875-1879
Meet Woodrow Wilson, America's 28th president and one of Princeton University’s famous graduates. As president from 1913 to 1921, he shook things up with new economic ideas and even led the United States into World War I. Now, Princeton honours him with the School of Public and International Affairs bearing his name! So it’s no surprise he’s considered as one of the Princeton University's notable alumni
2. Michelle Obama
Who they are: Lawyer, author, podcaster, writer, politician
Degree: B.A. in sociology in 1985
She's not just the wife of former President Barack Obama – she's a lawyer, author, and a Princeton university notable alumni. But get this: her high school advisors didn't think she should apply to Princeton. Boy, were they wrong! Michelle graduated with flying colors in 1985 with a degree in sociology and a minor in African American studies. Then, she took on Harvard Law School like a boss. And guess what? That's where she met Barack during her gig at a law firm called Sidley Austin. Talk about a power couple in the making!
3. Jeff Bezos
Who they are: Entrepreneur, computer scientist, and commercial astronaut
Degree: Bachelor of Science in 1986
CEO, entrepreneur, born in 1964, Jeffrey, Jefferey Bezos, the mastermind behind Amazon! This guy isn't just any businessman – he's the big cheese at the world's biggest online store. With his savvy moves, he's built a mega-empire in e-commerce and cloud computing. Today, he’s swimming in cash, ranking as one of the wealthiest folks globally, with a jaw-dropping net worth of around $180 billion! According to the money gurus at Bloomberg and Forbes, he even held the title of world's richest from 2017 to 2021. No wonder he’s considered as one of Princeton university notable alumni.
4. George F. Kennan
Who they are: University teacher, historian, writer, politician, political scientist
Degree: B.A. degree in 1925
He was a cool diplomat and a history buff, and today is considered one of Princeton University's famous alumni! He was all about keeping the Soviet Union in check during the Cold War, preaching a strategy called "containment." But wait, Kennan wasn't just into politics – he loved sharing his wisdom through lectures and writing awesome books about the USA-USSR relationship. Plus, he was part of this awesome group called "The Wise Men," made up of top-notch foreign policy experts. He was a true legend in shaping how the world dealt with some major Cold War drama and now is considered as one of Princeton University's notable alumni!
5. Jimmy Stewart
Who they are: American film actor
Degree: B.A. in architecture in 1929
He is one of America’s legendary actors and Princeton University's famous alumni! Born on May 20, 1908, he wasn't just a Hollywood star—he was also a hero in World War II, being the first big-time actor to serve in the military. You might know him from iconic films like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "It's A Wonderful Life," and "The Philadelphia Story." But did you know he studied architecture at Princeton? Yep, he sure did, graduating in 1929. Fun fact: Stewart even won an Oscar for Best Actor in 1940, and he sent the trophy to his proud dad. To honor his legacy, Princeton dedicated The James M. Stewart '32 Theater in 1997, and today, he’s one of Princeton University’s notable alumni!
6. Wentworth Miller
Who they are: American-British actor, model and screenwriter
Degree: BA in English in 1995
This Princeton University’s notable alumni, you might know him best as Michael Scofield from the hit show Prison Break – he totally rocked that role! Did you know he even got nominated for a Golden Globe because of it? Talk about talent! But wait, there's more: Wentworth's not just about acting; he's a screenwriter, too. In 2013, he made his debut with the thriller film Stoker. Plus, he's been heating things up on The CW series The Flash as Leonard Snart, aka Captain Cold, and later as a regular on the spin-off Legends of Tomorrow.
7. Aaron Burr
Who they are: Lawyer, politician, military officer, jurist better
Degree: Bachelor of Arts degree in 1772
Aaron Burr is one of the Princeton University's notable alumni and a real jack-of-all-trades! Not only was he a politician, but also a businessman, lawyer, and even a Founding Father of the United States. What’s more interesting is that he was admitted to the university at 13 as a sophomore. Later, at the age of 16, he received his bachelor of arts degree and continued studying theology at Princeton for an additional year. No wonder he’s considered as one of the Princeton University's notable alumni. If you haven't already watched Hamilton the Musical, we need to let you in on some tea! Burr had this intense rivalry with Alexander Hamilton, another big shot from back then. Things got so heated that they ended up having a legendary duel in Weehawken, New Jersey, on July 11, 1804. Burr got the upper hand, and poor Hamilton passed away the next day. Talk about drama!
8. Richard Feynman
Who they are: Quantum physicist, percussionist, author, science communicator, writer
Degree: A doctorate in Physics in 1942
This brilliant physicist with a knack for making complicated stuff sound simple and makes the list of Princeton University notable alumni! He was a big deal in the world of physics, especially in areas like quantum mechanics and superfluidity. But here's the coolest part: he didn't just do boring old research – he came up with groundbreaking ideas, like the parton model in particle physics. His genius even earned him a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965, along with a couple of other geniuses. Richard Feynman was the real deal when it came to unraveling the mysteries of the universe, and today is counted among the Princeton University notable alumni!
9. James Baker
Who they are: Lawyer, politician, military officer, diplomat
Degree: Bachelor of Arts, 1952
The next person on the Princeton University alumni list is James Baker III, a real powerhouse in American politics! He's not just your average guy – he's been all over the place, from the White House to the Treasury to the State Department. Baker's been a key player in both Reagan and Bush's administrations, serving as Chief of Staff and Secretary of State. He even did a second round as Chief of Staff under George H.W. Bush. He is a true Princeton University notable alumni and a legend in the world of diplomacy and statesmanship!
10. Donald Rumsfeld
Who they are: Defence minister, civil servant, business person, politician, author
Degree: BA in Political Science, 1954
This Princeton University notable alumni didn't just dabble in one thing. From serving as the youngest and oldest Secretary of Defense under Presidents Ford and Bush to being a Congressman, director, counsellor, and even Chief of Staff at the White House, he did it all! Talk about an impressive resume! In between all his government jobs, he even ran some big-time companies like Searle & Company, was the CEO of General Instrument from 1990-93 and chairman of Gilead Sciences. This true master of multitasking in the world of politics and business surely makes the cut on the Princeton University alumni list!
11. Steve Forbes
Who they are: American publisher and executive
Degree: BA Degree in American history in 1970
The big boss at Forbes, Inc. and the brains behind Forbes Magazine is also one of Princeton University's notable alumni! He's dipped his toes in politics, too, running for the Republican nomination for president not once but twice! Steve's journey in publishing started as a researcher for Forbes magazine, which was actually run by his dad back then. After his father passed away in 1990, Steve stepped up to lead the family business. From magazine research to presidential candidate, Steve Forbes has definitely made his mark in publishing, politics, and as a Princeton University famous graduate!
12. Queen Noor of Jordan
Who they are: American-Jordanian philanthropist and activist
Degree: A.B. in architecture and urban planning in 1974
She’s not your ordinary queen but a true force of philanthropy, activism and a Princeton University alumni! Originally Lisa Najeeb Halaby from the U.S., she became the fourth wife of King Hussein of Jordan in 1978. To tie the knot, she went all-in, saying goodbye to her American citizenship and embracing Islam, earning the beautiful title "Light of Hussein." Before becoming a queen, Noor was all about architecture and urban planning, scoring a B.A. in 1974. Beyond the royal title, she's been a real-life superhero, shining bright in the world of charity and making a positive impact. Today she is considered one of Princeton University's famous alumni.
13. James Madison
Who they are: Politician, writer, lawyer, diplomat, philosopher
Degree: Studies Hebrew and philosophy in 1771
He wasn't just the fourth President of the United States from 1809 to 1817. This Princeton University’s notable alumni were also the brain behind the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Yep, they even called him the "Father of the Constitution" because of his epic role in making sure everything was A-OK with the laws of the land. James Madison didn't just talk the talk; he walked the walk, making sure the USA started on the right foot. Now, that's what we call a founding legend!
14. Alan Turning
Who they are: Father of computer science
Degree: Ph.D. in mathematics in 1983
Alan Turing, the genius Princeton University’s notable alumni, wore many hats! This English brainiac wasn't just a mathematician; he was also a computer scientist and logician and even dabbled in philosophy and biology. Turing left his mark big time in the computer world, cooking up the idea of a Turing machine – like the OG computer model. No wonder he makes the Princeton University alumni list. They even call him the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence. Yep, he's the wizard who laid the groundwork for how computers think and solve problems. Alan Turing – a real superhero in the world of brains and machines and one of the Princeton University notable alumni!
15. Dean Cain
Who they are: Actor
Degree: BA in History
This Princeton University’s notable alumni is an American actor who once rocked the Superman suit on the TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman from 1993 to 1997. But that's not all – he also hosted “Ripley's Believe It or Not” and showed off his acting skills in the sports drama series Hit the Floor. Dean Cain isn't just a face you remember as Superman; he's been making waves on and off the screen! Figures he’s one of the Princeton University’s notable alumni.
These are some of the top Princeton University notable alumni you need to know. The university has plenty of notable alumni who have succeeded in numerous fields. This is your chance to make it to this Princeton University alumni list!
Want to know more about Princeton University? Check if you can make the cut by referring to this detailed guide to the University of Princeton!