Education is the foundation on which success is built. Right from the pre-primary classes, it is a launching pad for a student’s life that propels them into the future, reaching college. The impact of higher education is immeasurable, making it a pivotal step in achieving both individual and societal progress, leading to being on the billionaires list.
Have you wondered where the billionaire’s mind got its start? How many billionaires went to college?
Colleges that nurture dreams and home skills and produce graduates who become future billionaires.
“Where college connections and innovation collide, billionaire graduates are born.”
Elite institutions like Ivy League Colleges often come to mind, known for their rigorous academic powerhouses and incubators for billionaires. They are educating and shaping the next generation of global wealth creators.
In 2024, Forbes published a list of ranking colleges with the most billionaires among their alumni. It’s the list of billionaires that went to college, just like any other normal person, but with an aim to achieve something.
So, whether you’re a student aspiring to join the ranks of the ultrawealthy lifestyle or simply curious about the correlation between education and financial success, this article is for you. Prepare to be intrigued, inspired, and perhaps even motivated to aim for the stars.
University of Pennsylvania
- Foundation Year: 1740
- No. of Billionaire Alumni: 36
- Location: Philadelphia, United States
Billionaire’s Alumni:
| ALUMNI | KNOWN FOR | DEGREE | NET WORTH |
| Elon Musk | CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company | Dual degree in Economics and Physics | $433.9 Billion |
| Donald Trump | Real estate mogul, former President of the United States (Twice) | Bachelor’s in Economics | $6.7 Billion |
| Warren Stephens | CEO of Stephens Inc. | MBA | $3.4 Billion |
| Laurene Powell Jobs | Founder of Emerson Collective | MBA | $15.2 Billion |
| Ronald Perelman | Chairman and CEO of MacAndrews & Forbes. | Bachelor of Arts/Science; MBA | $1.9 Billion |
The University of Pennsylvania is a prestigious Ivy League University located in Philadelphia. Benjamin Franklin founded this elite university badge as the oldest higher education institution in the United States.
Penn comes first in the list of colleges with the most billionaires for its rigorous academics and influential alumni, particularly in business, law, medicine, and engineering. The university is home to several world-renowned schools, such as the
- Wharton School of Business
- Penn Law School
- Perelman School of Medicine
- School of Engineering and Applied Science
- School of Arts and Science
The very famous Wharton School of Business is like a linchpin to the University. It is a magnet for passionate and ambitious students who dream of making it big in business.
The university blends top-tier academics, unbeatable networking vibes, and buzzing startup culture, making it the ultimate launchpad for billionaire success stories.
Stanford University
- Foundation Year: 1740
- No. of Billionaire Alumni: 36
- Location: Philadelphia, United States
Billionaire’s Alumni:
| ALUMNI | KNOWN FOR | DEGREE | NET WORTH |
| Peter Thiel | Co-founder of PayPal, Palantir | Law | $14.4 Billion |
| Reed Hastings | Co-founder of Netflix | Computer Science | $5 Billion |
| Sergey Brin | Co-founder of Google | Ph.D. | $154 Billion |
| Larry Page | Former CEO of Google | Ph.D. | $161.4 Billion |
| Jerry Yang | Co-founder of Yahoo! | Bachelor of Arts/Science; Master of Science | $2.6 Billion |
Stanford University is a global innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence leader. Well-known, home to many groundbreaking ideas, entrepreneurial ventures, and transformative discoveries, it is also one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutes.
Being the heart of the tech innovation hub, it is home to 20 libraries and state-of-the-art labs. Attracting students from over 90+ countries ensures diverse perspectives and rich cultural exchanges.
The university campus is spread across 8,180 acres, including iconic landmarks like the:
- Hoover Tower
- Stanford Memorial Church
- Cantor Arts Center
The campus is also complemented by a picturesque landscape perfect for inspiration and recreation.
The motivational motto of the university, “Die Luft der Freiheit weht,” translating to “the wind of freedom blows,” keeps high ambitions. Along with its slogan, Stanford’s unofficial mascot is the Stanford Tree, a quirky symbol of the university’s unique culture and spirit!
Stanford is dedicated to solving the world’s most significant challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering leaders who leave a global impact.
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Harvard University
- Foundation Year: 1636
- No. of Billionaire Alumni: 28
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Billionaire’s Alumni:
| ALUMNI | KNOWN FOR | DEGREE | NET WORTH |
| Bill Gates | Microsoft (Former CEO) | Dropped Out | $106 Billion |
| Mark Zuckerberg | Facebook (Meta) | Dropped Out | $211.8 Billion |
| Michael Bloomberg | Bloomberg LP, NYC Mayor (Former) | MBA | $104.7 Billion |
| Donald Bren | Irvine Company (Chairman) | Harvard Graduate | $18.9 Billion |
| Kenneth C. Griffin | Citadel (Founder) | Bachelor of Arts and Science | $46.7 Billion |
Harvard University is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the United States. The university has shaped leaders, thinkers, and trailblazers for four centuries. Harvard offers programs across disciplines, including
- Harvard College (Undergraduate)
- Harvard Business School
- Harvard Law School
- Harvard Medical School
The college had the First School of Medicine in the U.S. It is also home to 100+ research centers and the Harvard Library, the most extensive academic library in the world. A diverse, international student body and faculty ensure that Harvard remains a global hub for ideas, debate, and solutions to the world’s toughest challenges.
What do you think, How many billionaires went to Harvard?
With over 390 years of history, Harvard’s name is synonymous with excellence. It has produced world leaders, Nobel laureates, and pioneers in every field. A rich blend of academics, extracurriculars, arts, and athletics creates a well-rounded student experience.
Harvard’s billionaire alumni have transformed industries, shaped economies, and redefined what’s possible, proving that success has no ceiling at Harvard.
Yale University
- Foundation Year: 1701
- No. of Billionaire Alumni: 19
- Location: Connecticut, United States
Billionaire’s Alumni:
| ALUMNI | KNOWN FOR | DEGREE | NET WORTH |
| Fred Smith | FedEx (CEO) | Bachelor of Arts and Science | $6.2 billion |
| John Mars | Mars Candy | Bachelor of Arts and Science | $42.1 Billion. |
| Edward Lampert | ESL Investments (Founder) | Bachelor of Arts and Science | $2.1 Billion |
| Edward Bass | Investor and Philanthropist | Bachelor of Arts and Science | $2.5 Billion. |
| Stephen A. Schwarzman | The Blackstone Group | Bachelor of Arts and Science | $52.5 Billion. |
Yale University is a legacy. This institution is a global icon of higher education, where tradition meets innovation, and academic excellence fuels worldwide impact.
Yale University is in the historic town of New Haven, which spans over 230 acres and flaunts its iconic Gothic architecture and modern facilities. The diversity of students takes pride in representing 120 countries within the campus and is home to world-renowned faculty.
The university houses the prestigious Yale School of Drama and Yale School of Architecture. It is also renowned for its undergraduate liberal arts college, graduate schools, and professional programs.
The Yale alumni individuals exemplify the diverse paths to success significantly impacting global business, technology, finance, and philanthropy.
Cornell University
- Foundation Year: 1865
- No. of Billionaire Alumni: 13
- Location: New York, United States
Billionaire’s Alumni:
| ALUMNI | KNOWN FOR | DEGREE | NET WORTH |
| Sanford ‘Sandy’ Weill | Citigroup (Former CEO) | Bachelor of Engineering | $1 Billion |
| David Duffield | PeopleSoft; Workday | Bachelor of Engineering | $13.7 Billion |
| H. Fisk Johnson | S.C. Johnson & Son (CEO, Chairman) | Bachelor of Arts and Science; Masters in Science; Ph.D. | $4.4 Billion |
| Robert F. Smith | Vista Equity Partners (Founder) | Bachelor of Arts and Science | $10.8 Billion |
| Ratan Tata | Tata Sons (Former Chairman) | Bachelor of Arts and Science | $291 Billion |
Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League Institution in the picturesque hills of Ithaca, New York. It is a place where bold ideas combine to create boundless ambition. Cornell is unique for its blend of diverse disciplines like agriculture, engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences.
Being home to renowned graduate schools and professional law, medicine, and business programs. Cornell seamlessly blends academic rigour with real-world impact by offering unparalleled opportunities across its diverse colleges and global campuses.
Cornell’s campus is a stunning mix of historic architecture and modern facilities in the scenic Finger Lakes region. It is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, collaboration across fields, and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. It is a vibrant hub where curiosity grows, innovation ignites, and students become changemakers shaping the future.
Cornell’s emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and global impact has helped cultivate some of the world’s most successful business minds. These alumni represent various industries, each leaving a lasting legacy.
University Of Southern California
- Foundation Year: 1880
- No. of Billionaire Alumni: 12
- Location: California, United States
Billionaire’s Alumni:
| ALUMNI | KNOWN FOR | DEGREE | NET WORTH |
| George Lucas | Creator of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones. | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) | $5.1 Billion |
| Larry Ellison | Oracle (Former CEO) | Dropped Out | $204.6 Billion |
| Steven Spielberg | Director (Jurassic Park) | Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) | $5.3 Billion |
| Eli Broad | Kaufman & Broad (Co-Founder) | Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting | $6.9 billion |
| Marc Benioff | Salesforce (Founder) | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | $10.8 billion |
The University of Southern California (USC) is where ambition meets opportunity in the heart of Los Angeles. USC is a prestigious private research university and one of the oldest in California. It has become a global education, research, and innovation leader, attracting students and faculty worldwide.
USC offers over 150 undergraduate majors and 200 graduate programs across its diverse schools and colleges. USC’s research institutes include:
both leading in technological advancements.
The Health Sciences Campus supports groundbreaking medical research and healthcare programs. This 226-acre University Park Campus blends historic architecture with modern facilities. The university ranks among the Top 20 Universities in the U.S.
USC’s alumni network is known as the Trojan Family. These individuals highlight the diverse fields in which USC alumni have excelled, contributing significantly to their respective industries.
Princeton University
- Foundation Year: 1746
- No. of Billionaire Alumni: 12
- Location: New Jersey, United States
Billionaire’s Alumni:
| ALUMNI | KNOWN FOR | DEGREE | NET WORTH |
| Jeff Bezos | Amazon.com (Founder) | Bachelor of Science in Engineering | $239.4 Billion |
| Carl Icahn | Icahn Enterprises (Founder) | Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy | $4.4 Billion |
| Eric Schmidt | Google (Former CEO) | B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering | $26.3 Billion |
| Steve Forbes | Forbes Media (Chairman + Editor-In-Chief) | Bachelor’s Degree | $430 Million |
| José E. Feliciano | Clearlake Capital (Co-Founder) | Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering | $4.4 Billion |
Princeton University is in New Jersey and was formerly known as the College of New Jersey. Later it was renamed Princeton University in 1896. It consistently ranks among the top universities with most billionaires globally and has been recognized as the #1 National University by U.S. News & World Report multiple times.
Princeton offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields. The university is a hub for research, especially in physics, engineering, and public policy. It houses the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and several other research centres.
Princeton is renowned for its world-class academics, groundbreaking research, and a legacy of producing leaders, Nobel laureates, and billionaires.
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
- Foundation Year: 1861
- No. of Billionaire Alumni: 11
- Location: Massachusetts, United States
Billionaire’s Alumni:
| ALUMNI | KNOWN FOR | DEGREE | NET WORTH |
| Amar Bose | Bose Corporation (Founder) | Bachelor of Engineering; Ph.D. | $1 Billion |
| David Koch | Koch Industries (Former Executive Vice President) | Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering | $50.5 Billion |
| Michael Bloomberg | Bloomberg LP | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | $104.7 Billion |
| Ilan Miron | Check Point Software Technologies (Co-founder) | Bachelors in Computer Science | $1.5 Billion |
| Charles Koch | Koch Industries (CEO, Chairman) | Two master’s degrees from MIT in nuclear engineering (1958) and chemical engineering (1960). | $67.5 Billion |
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a global incubator of ideas, breakthroughs, and billionaires. It has earned its reputation as the world’s premier science, technology, and entrepreneurship hub.
MIT has consistently ranked among the Top 5 universities globally in science, AI, and innovation. It is ranked #1 in the World for Engineering and Technology.
MIT has world-renowned facilities, including the
- Media Lab
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL)
- Lincoln Laboratory
which is a hub for significant research and innovation.
The campus also features cultural landmarks like the MIT Museum and the MIT List Visual Arts Center, which celebrate science, technology, and creativity.
MIT provides an unparalleled academic excellence and exploration environment with over 3 million volumes housed across multiple libraries, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors and a wide range of graduate programs.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been instrumental in educating numerous individuals who have achieved significant financial success.
Dartmouth College
- Foundation Year: 1769
- No. of Billionaire Alumni: 11
- Location: New Hampshire, United States
Billionaire’s Alumni:
| ALUMNI | KNOWN FOR | DEGREE | NET WORTH |
| Leon Black | Apollo Global Management (Co-Founder) | Bachelor’s in Philosophy and History | $17.1 Billion |
| Stephen Mandel Jr. | Lone Pine Capital (Founder) | Bachelor of Arts | $2.5 Billion |
| Andreas Halvorsen | Viking Global Investors (Co-founder; CEO) | Bachelor’s in Economics | $7.2 Billion |
| Stephen Schwarzman | The Blackstone Group (CEO; Co-Founder) | Bachelor of Arts and Science | $52.5 Billion |
| Peter Fahey | Goldman Sachs (Former Partner) | Bachelor’s in Engineering | $1.2 Billion |
Dartmouth College is a prestigious Ivy League institution with a rich history since It is in the picturesque town of Hanover, New Hampshire. Dartmouth combines academic excellence with a spirit of adventure, leveraging its rural setting for a unique student experience. Its flexible D-Plan allows students to design academic schedules, fostering global exploration and real-world engagement.
Dartmouth combines academic excellence with a spirit of adventure, leveraging its rural setting for a unique student experience. It has over 50 programs ranging from STEM fields to social sciences and humanities.
Dartmouth isn’t just a college. It’s a lifetime adventure that might help you to be a part of the billionaires list.
Columbia University
- Foundation Year: 1754
- No. of Billionaire Alumni: 11
- Location: New Hampshire, United States
Billionaire’s Alumni:
| ALUMNI | KNOWN FOR | DEGREE | NET WORTH |
| Warren Buffett | Berkshire Hathaway (CEO; Chairman) | Master of Science in Economics | $146.2 Billion |
| Henry Kravis | Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (Co-Founder) | MBA | $16.5 Billion |
| Mortimer Zuckerman | Boston Properties (Co-founder and Executive Chairman) | MBA | $2.7 Billion |
| Ronald Perelman | MacAndrews & Forbes (CEO; Chairman) | JD (Columbia Law School) | $1.9 Billion |
| Michael Bloomberg | Bloomberg L.P. | Significant Presence at Columbia | $104.7 Billion |
Columbia University is an Ivy League powerhouse, helping the world for over 250 years. It is located in the heart of New York City. It is renowned for its academic rigour, research, and global influence. This university is one of the world’s most prestigious and influential institutions. It influences multiple fields, from science and business to arts, law, and politics.
Columbia’s diverse programs, renowned faculty, and vibrant campus offer students unparalleled opportunities for intellectual growth and real-world engagement. Columbia provides students with direct access to industries such as finance, media, technology, and the arts that might have shaped a few billionaires’ great minds.
At Columbia, the world’s brightest minds unite to challenge conventions, spark change, and build a future that matters.
The Billionaires Factories
Whether it’s Silicon Valley tech moguls, Wall Street tycoons or Hollywood power players, these colleges with the most billionaires have built a legacy of success, influence, and impact.
As the billionaires continue to rise, one thing is clear: these institutions are not just shaping minds; they’re shaping the future.
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