As celebrities find popular achievements piling up around them, some also make time to clear the shelves for a college degree or two. Most recently, Meek Mill revealed, while speaking at his alma mater that he has enrolled in college. Upon completion, he may join the ranks of these celebs who found that their commercial success wouldn’t stop them from seeking out academic endeavors as well.
1. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq left Louisiana State University to pursue his basketball career but later returned and earned his undergrad degree in 2000. He also went on to earn his Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2005 and in 2012 earned his Doctorate in Education from Barry University. He says he has plans to go to law school in the future.
2. Michael Jordan
Jordan spent his undergrad studies at the University of North Carolina but left early to enter the 1984 NBA draft. In 1986, he returned and completed his degree in geography.
3. Ruben Studdard
This American Idol earned his undergraduate degree in Voice Studies from Alabama A&M. Most recently, Ruben received his Master’s of Arts degree in December 2015.
4. Swizz Beatz
The rapper and producer was enrolled as a “producer-in-residence” at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. In 2014 he was accepted into the nine-week Owner/President Management Extension program offered through the Harvard Business School.
5. Tyra Banks
After years of ripping runways, hosting and acting, Tyra completed the Harvard Business School Management program in 2012.
6. Antonio L.A. Reid
The one-half of LaFace Records also enrolled in the same Harvard Business School program as Tyra and Swizz however, he took on the course in 2000.
7. Keshia Knight Pulliam
The actress and former child star pulled away from the spotlight and earned a degree in sociology from Spelman College in 2001. She also became a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
8. Oprah Winfrey
After attending Tennessee State University and one credit shy away from receiving her degree, Oprah decided to focus on developing a career in television. When asked to return to her alma mater in 1987 and give the commencement speech, she said she would only do so if she could earn her last credit and receive her degree. She did that and has since gone on to receive honorary degrees from Harvard, Princeton, and Duke University.
9. Tatyana Ali
After starring on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and a music career, Tatyana earned a bachelor’s degree in African American studies and Government in 2002 from Harvard University.
10-12. Tia, Tamera and Tahj Mowry
The Mowry siblings graduated with degrees from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California after the endings of their popular television series’ Sister, Sister and Smart Guy.
13. Jaleel White
Better known as the comedic character, Steve Urkel on Family Matters, Jaleel graduated from UCLA in 2001 with a degree in Film and Television.
14. Romeo Miller
After a career as a young phenom in the rap game, Lil Romeo went on to be admitted and accept a scholarship to the University of Southern California in 2007. He attended and played on the school’s basketball team until 2010.
15. Lee Thompson Young
The late actor best known for his role as The Famous Jett Jackson Jackson attended USC and graduated with a degree in Film and Television production in 2005.
