Although a degree is an excellent advantage for certain careers, big stars such as Justin Timberlake have shown that it’s not always necessary to get a college degree. It is not uncommon for celebrities to achieve great success without a college education. Although some stars have received their degree prior to becoming famous, they often studied subjects that were completely unrelated to their future careers. These celebrities did not earn their expensive degrees, but they were able to go to college and have a list of famous alumni to brag about.
Stars have, in rare instances, decided to complete their degrees or continue studying after becoming famous. While a diploma wasn’t necessary for their already successful careers these entertainers had their reasons to take on the challenge. Some people went to school for a lifetime goal, while others returned to school to further their education, and improve their knowledge by making projects, doing dissertation help online, writing research papers, doing Ph.D. and other get other essential skills. Continue reading to discover which celebrities were awarded diplomas after they became famous.
Shaquille O’Neal
After earning international recognition as an NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal went to Barry University to get his doctorate in education. ESPN reported that O’Neal completed 54 credit hours of online courses and a capstone project on humor in the workplace. He also had a 3.8 GPA. Cynthia Atterberry was his manager at the time and O’Neal graduated in 2012 with the same degree.
Cole Sprouse
Cole Sprouse (Suite Life of Zack and Cody) attended the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at New York University. Sprouse opted not to study acting but chose to go into archeology instead. Sprouse was a Geographical Information Systems and Satellite Imaging major, meaning virtual cartography. Sprouse, who reportedly completed his degree in Geographical Information Systems and Satellite Imaging before landing the role as Jughead Joe Jones in Riverdale was reportedly involved in multiple archeological excavations.
Dylan Sprouse
Dylan Sprouse was a Gallatin School of Individualized Studies student at NYU. He graduated with his brother. The Suite Life of Zack and Cody actor also decided to abandon an acting degree in order to pursue other interests. Sprouse finally decided to study game design after much exploration. Sprouse, who graduated in 2015, has combined his two expertise areas, voice acting and video game design.
Miranda Cosgrove
Miranda Cosgrove left iCarly in 2012 and moved to the University of Southern California. Cosgrove was always determined to get her diploma after all her years spent being tutored on television sets. What she did not know. She entered USC as a film major but graduated with a psychology diploma. Cosgrove was not only a popular college student, but she also used her fame to break the ice.
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria received a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University in kinesiology before she starred on Desperate Housewives. Longoria didn’t stop at a Bachelor of Science degree. Longoria also had a successful television career. The actress went back to school and completed a master’s program in Chicano Studies at California State University. Longoria finished her thesis entitled “Success STS From Diversity: The Role of Latinas In STEM Careers.” She was awarded her degree and proved that it’s never too late for further education.
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman was an Oscar-winning actress who began college at Harvard University in 1999. After earning an A.B. Portman, a psychology major returned to the Ivy League school in order to address the graduating class. Portman shared her struggles with self-doubt while at the University during her speech. Portman said that when she spoke during class she felt pressured to show that she wasn’t dumb, but that she deserved the opportunity to do so.
Emma Watson
Emma Watson, a Harry Potter star, began at Brown University in 2009 The actress, much like Hermione the famous Harry Potter character, was an academic by nature and dreamed of attending university. Watson fell in love with the Brown curriculum, even though she initially wanted to go to Oxbridge. Watson’s fame accompanied her to college, causing her some problems. But she enjoyed the whole experience. Watson graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree.
America Ferrera
America Ferrera started attending the University of Southern California in 2002 after she starred in the coming-of-age film Real Women Have Curves. Ferrera struggled with the choice between activism or acting while studying international relations. Ferrera eventually chose to use her acting abilities as a way of promoting change. Ferrera, who graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, starred in Ugly Betty. She also worked as an ambassador for artists and social change.
Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion was a Prairie View A&M University student who rose to fame. Despite her success, the rapper was determined that she would complete her degree. She reportedly promised to get her diploma as a tribute to her grandmother and late mother. Megan Thee Stallion was awarded her bachelor of science in health administration degree from Texas Southern University on December 20, 2021.
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