Story by Stars Insider
Educational qualifications are often viewed as a means to an end, whether that’s an obvious vocational route, or an attempt to increase the earning potential of an individual. However, sometimes the thirst for knowledge and love of learning are reason enough to head back to school!
In the case of these celebrities, financial gain would certainly not have been their incentive. Rather, a sense of achievement, or perhaps setting an example for their children, might have been the motive.
Have a look through the gallery to find out who decided to go back to college and expand their minds.
Megan Thee Stallion
Three-time Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion received her bachelor’s degree in health administration at Texas Southern University on December 11, 2021, after pursuing her career and her education simultaneously for several years now. Despite already achieving global fame as a rapper, she vowed to finish college not only for herself but for the influences in her family, including her grandmother and late mother.
With her degree, Megan says she always dreamt of opening a care facility to help the elderly. The ‘WAP’ singer also says that attending college has helped to keep her grounded through her journey to success. “I might have an amazing night but knowing I have to finish a paper, project or my homework to graduate, keeps my head on straight.” She’s become a strong advocate for higher education, inspiring her millions of fans and even awarding several scholarships to students.
Amanda Bynes
On May 23, 2020, the actress opened up on Instagram about undergoing treatment for her mental health over the previous two months, and added that she was working on earning her bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, “trying to get a 4.0 GPA.” In 2024, she announced that she would begin studying to become a manicurist.
Steph Curry
Golden State Warriors basketball star Steph Curry has made an incredible name for himself in the NBA, but he sacrificed the completion of his college degree to get there. Thirteen years later, he finally received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Davidson College, where he originally attended from 2006 to 2009. The athlete celebrated the achievement with a series of photos on social media, calling the degree a “dream come true.”
“Class of 2010….aka 2022 but we got it done!” Curry wrote in his caption. “Thanks to my whole village that helped me get across the finish line. Made the promise when I left and had to see it through.”
Steven Spielberg
Thirty-three years after dropping out of California State University, Spielberg returned to finish his arts degree at the film school.
Emma Watson
After becoming world-famous through the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise, Watson began studying at Brown University. She graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in English literature.
Nick Cannon
In 2016, the actor, rapper, and producer began studying a master’s degree at Howard University in strategic legal management, legal communications, and administration of justice.
Yara Shahidi
The child star of ‘Black-ish’ was accepted into Harvard University in 2017 but took a gap year before beginning her studies. Her activism was noticed by Michelle Obama, who wrote her a letter of recommendation for Harvard. The actor went on to study at the university’s social studies and African American departments, concentrating on “Black political thought under a neocolonial landscape.” She graduated in May 2022.
Michael Jordan
Jordan studied at the University of North Carolina before being recruited by the Chicago Bulls in 1984. Despite enormous success in the NBA, he returned to finish his bachelor’s degree in geography.
Jodie Foster
Beginning at Yale in 1980, Foster managed to earn her literature degree while maintaining her career in film by working during the summer.
Eva Longoria
Already the star of ‘Desperate Housewives,’ Longoria finished her master’s degree in 2013. She studied Chicano and Chicana Studies at California State University.
Oprah Winfrey
In 1987, Winfrey was already well-known on TV, having accepted a job at CBS. She was one credit short of graduating from Tennessee State University, however, so she went back to complete her degree.
