Top 15 Columbia University Notable Alumni

Columbia University has a long history of shaping individuals who go on to make a huge impact on the world. With an acceptance rate of just 4.3% for the Class of 2029, getting into Columbia is incredibly competitive, but it’s this very selectivity that helps cultivate top-tier talent.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the stories of 15 Columbia University notable alumni who’ve made their mark across various fields. Who knows? You might just find the inspiration you need as you pave your path to success.

• Politicians Who Went to Columbia
• Tech Moguls Who Went to Columbia
• Business and Academic Leaders Who Went to Columbia
• Celebrities Who Went to Columbia
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Politicians Who Went to Columbia

Columbia University has shaped the careers of some of the most influential politicians in history.  These alumni have used their Columbia education to lead, legislate, and make lasting impacts on the world. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent political figures who walked the same paths you might one day tread.

1. Barack Obama

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Class of 1983)

Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President, is among Columbia University’s notable alumni. He graduated from Columbia College in 1983 with a B.A. in Political Science. At Columbia, he focused on international relations, an education that shaped his worldview and commitment to public service. Obama famously transferred to Columbia for his junior and senior years.

After Columbia, Obama went on to Harvard Law School, then entered politics, making history as the first African American U.S. president. As president (2009–2017), he signed the Affordable Care Act into law and led initiatives on climate change and social equity.

In recent years, Obama remains active in public life through the Obama Foundation and as a producer of documentaries. He and Michelle Obama won an Academy Award for their production company’s documentary American Factory in 2020, and he continues to speak out on issues like democracy and disinformation.

2. Franklin D. Roosevelt

Degree: Juris Doctor, Columbia Law School (1903-1907)

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, one of Columbia University’s notable alumni, attended Columbia Law School from 1904 to 1907. Although he left Columbia early after passing the New York bar exam (he was awarded a posthumous J.D. decades later), FDR’s Columbia stint was part of his preparation for public service.

He went on to serve four terms as U.S. President (1933–1945), guiding the nation through the Great Depression with his New Deal programs and through World War II as a central Allied leader.

In the present day, Roosevelt’s impact remains vividly relevant. His New Deal policies (many conceived with fellow Columbians in his circle) are frequently cited in modern debates on economic stimulus and social welfare. The term “New Deal” itself has inspired contemporary proposals (like the Green New Deal) aimed at systemic change.

3. Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton studied at King’s College—the colonial-era predecessor of Columbia University—starting in 1773, making him among the earliest Columbia University notable alumni. Though he did not complete his degree (the Revolutionary War interrupted his studies in 1776), Hamilton’s time at King’s College immersed him in Enlightenment ideas and revolutionary fervor.

As the first Secretary of the Treasury under George Washington, Hamilton founded the national bank, stabilized the young nation’s finances, and established mechanisms for federal credit. He was also a principal author of The Federalist Papers and championed a strong central government.

In recent years, Hamilton’s legacy has reached new audiences through the smash-hit Broadway musical Hamilton, which has revived popular interest in his life and ideas—from his immigrant origins to his role in shaping the Constitution.

4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Degree: Bachelor of Laws, Columbia Law School (Class of 1959)

Ruth Bader Ginsburg transferred to Columbia for her final year of law school and graduated tied for first in her class—a remarkable achievement at a time when women in law were rare. She later returned to Columbia Law as its first tenured female professor.

Ginsburg’s career was defined by her fierce advocacy for gender equality and civil rights. As co-founder of the ACLU Women’s Rights Project in the 1970s, she argued landmark cases before the Supreme Court that dismantled legal discrimination on the basis of sex.

In 1993, she herself was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where she served 27 years as a tireless voice for equality and justice. “RBG,” as she became affectionately known, gained pop culture status in her later years for her eloquent dissents and unwavering principles.

Even after her passing in 2020, Ginsburg’s influence endures. She lies in state at the U.S. Capitol (the first woman and first Jewish American to receive that honor), and numerous books, movies, and even a museum exhibit have celebrated her legacy.

Tech Moguls Who Went to Columbia

Ever wonder where some of the biggest names in tech got their start? For some, it was Columbia University. Here’s a look at the innovators who took their Columbia knowledge and turned it into industry-changing success.

5. Ben Horowitz

Degree: Bachelor’s in Computer Science (Class of 1988)

Ben Horowitz, co-founder of the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, graduated from Columbia College in 1988 with a B.A. in computer science. As one of Columbia University’s notable alumni, Horowitz has made his mark both as a tech entrepreneur and a prominent Silicon Valley investor.

After Columbia, he earned a master’s at UCLA, then co-founded Loudcloud (later Opsware), a pioneering cloud services company. He led Opsware as CEO and, after selling it to HP, teamed up with Marc Andreessen to start Andreessen Horowitz in 2009. This venture capital firm became one of the most influential in tech, backing Facebook, Airbnb, Coinbase and countless startups that have reshaped our world.

Known for integrating tech savvy with business acumen, Horowitz is also the author of the best-selling management book The Hard Thing About Hard Things, where he shares candid lessons from his startup days. In the tech community, Horowitz’s voice carries weight; he’s seen as a mentor figure to young CEOs and a thought leader on company culture.

6. Ursula Burns

Degree: Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (Class of 1981)

Ursula Burns is among Columbia’s notable alumni, renowned for breaking barriers in the tech and corporate world. Burns began as an intern at Xerox and climbed the ranks over three decades to become CEO in 2009—making history as the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company.

As CEO of Xerox (2009–2016), Burns steered the company through a major transformation from a copier and printing giant into a diversified services and technology firm. She boldly acquired Affiliated Computer Services to push Xerox into outsourcing and IT services.

Beyond Xerox, Burns has served on boards of big-name companies like American Express, ExxonMobil, and Uber. In 2018, she became chair and CEO of telecom company VEON, and in 2021, co-founded a private equity firm, Integrum Holdings.

Burns also released a memoir, Where You Are Is Not Who You Are, sharing her incredible journey from New York City housing projects to the C-suite. In 2023, she has been active in speaking out about diversity in STEM and mentoring young women of color in business.

7. John Kluge

Graduated from Columbia College (Class of 1937)

John Kluge turned a modest start into an empire and became one of the richest Americans of the 20th century. A German immigrant who attended Columbia on scholarship, Kluge is a standout among Columbia University notable alumni, best known for building Metromedia, a conglomerate of TV and radio stations, entertainment properties, and telecom ventures.

Starting with a single radio station purchase in 1946, he grew Metromedia into the largest independent broadcast network in the U.S. by the 1960s–1980s.

Beyond business, John Kluge’s legacy includes extraordinary philanthropy, particularly to Columbia. In 2007, at age 92, he donated a $400 million gift to Columbia University, directed entirely to student financial aid. The Kluge Scholarship Program and endowed funds continue to flourish, supporting new generations of Columbians from underprivileged backgrounds.

Business and Academic Leaders Who Went to Columbia

Columbia University has also been the launchpad for some of the brightest minds in business and academia. Let’s dive into the stories of those who’ve led groundbreaking industries and changed the world of higher education.

8. Warren Buffett

Degree: Master’s in Economics, Columbia Business School (Class of 1951)

Warren Buffett is perhaps the most famous investor in the world and another one among Columbia University notable alumni whose financial wisdom is legendary. Buffett has said that attending Columbia to learn from Ben Graham was “one of the best decisions of my life,” as Graham’s value investing principles became the cornerstone of Buffett’s approach to picking stocks.

Today, as chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett has amassed a fortune by sticking to those Columbia-honed principles: investing in businesses with strong fundamentals and holding them for the long term. Under his leadership, Berkshire grew from a struggling textile mill into a $700+ billion conglomerate owning companies like Geico, Dairy Queen, and the Burlington Northern railroad.

Despite his immense wealth, Buffett is known for his frugality, folksy wit, and generous philanthropy (he’s pledged the majority of his wealth to charity via the Giving Pledge). Each spring, thousands travel to Omaha for “Woodstock for Capitalists” to hear Buffett and partner Charlie Munger speak.

9. Vikram Pandit

Degree: B.S. and M.S. in Engineering (Class of 1997), PhD in Finance (Class of 1986)

Vikram Pandit is one of Columbia University’s notable alumni who earned all his degrees at Columbia. An accomplished scholar, Pandit quickly made a name on Wall Street, joining Morgan Stanley and rising to lead its institutional securities and investment banking.

However, he’s best known for his role as CEO of Citigroup during a time of financial turmoil. Pandit took the helm of Citi in December 2007, just as the global financial crisis hit, and steered the banking giant through the storm.

Under his leadership, Citi underwent major restructuring, received and repaid TARP bailout funds, and returned to profitability. By the time he resigned in 2012, Citi had been pulled back from the brink, earning Pandit credit for making tough decisions during a fraught period.

After Citi, Pandit hasn’t slowed down. He founded The Orogen Group, an investment firm, in 2016, focusing on fintech startups and financial services innovation. He has invested in ventures ranging from digital banking in India to a new stock exchange platform in the U.S. (MEMX).

10. Lee C. Bollinger

Degree: Juris Doctor, Columbia Law School (Class of 1971)

Bollinger served as the 19th President of Columbia University for 21 years (2002–2023), making him one of Columbia’s longest-serving presidents. A renowned First Amendment scholar, Bollinger had previously been president of the University of Michigan, where he led and won two landmark Supreme Court cases defending affirmative action in admissions (Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger).

Bringing that passion for academic freedom and diversity to Columbia, Bollinger’s tenure saw the university expand significantly in global presence and scope. He established Columbia’s network of Global Centers across cities like Beijing, Paris, Nairobi, and beyond, aiming to turn Columbia into a truly international institution.

He also championed major campus development projects, including the creation of the Manhattanville campus, home to the cutting-edge Jerome L. Greene Science Center and new Business School facilities.

In late 2024, as President Emeritus, he published In Search of an Open Mind, a collection of speeches and essays reflecting on free speech, affirmative action, and the university’s role in society.

Celebrities Who Went to Columbia

Think Columbia’s alumni roster is all about politicians and business tycoons? Think again! From Oscar-nominated actors to chart-topping musicians, Columbia has produced its fair share of A-listers:

11. Neil DeGrasse Tyson

Degree: Master’s in Astrophysics (Class of 1989), PhD in Astrophysics (Class of 1991)

Another one of Columbia University’s notable alumni, Tyson is known for bringing the stars down to Earth, translating complex cosmic concepts into engaging conversation. Tyson truly entered the pop culture orbit with his talent for communication. He hosted PBS’s NOVA ScienceNow, wrote bestselling books like Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, and in 2014 was the face of Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, a reboot of Carl Sagan’s classic series.

Through countless talk show appearances, podcasts, and tweets, Tyson makes astronomy relatable—whether explaining the physics of Game of Thrones or correcting science in films. In recent news, Tyson continues to be a go-to expert for all things space: discussing NASA’s Artemis moon missions, weighing in on the possibility of life on Mars, and championing the importance of STEM education.

12. Timothée Chalamet

Timothée Chalamet is a Hollywood leading man and among Columbia University’s notable alumni—albeit a brief alumni, as he attended Columbia College for about a year in 2015 before his acting career exploded. Chalamet enrolled at Columbia after high school (he has mentioned wanting the classic college experience), and he studied cultural anthropology during his short time on campus.

Chalamet’s decision to pursue acting full-time proved wise: by 2017, he delivered a star-making performance in Call Me By Your Name, earning an Academy Award nomination at just 22 years old. Since then, he’s become one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.

He’s shown remarkable range—from a tortured teenager in Beautiful Boy, to the young roguish Paul Atreides in the sci-fi epic Dune, to a Shakespearean prince in The King. Audiences also adore his boyish charm and fearless fashion on the red carpet.

13. Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal, another Columbia University notable alumni in the arts, attended Columbia University in the late 1990s. Gyllenhaal enrolled in Columbia College in 1998, reportedly to study Eastern religions and philosophy, and he spent about two years on campus. Gyllenhaal left Columbia before graduating to concentrate on acting.

Since those Columbia days, Jake Gyllenhaal has built one of Hollywood’s most impressive and versatile careers. He has been acclaimed for intense dramatic roles, such as a troubled journalist in Nightcrawler, a heartbroken cowboy in Brokeback Mountain (earning an Oscar nomination), and a boxer in Southpaw.

He’s also charmed audiences in lighter fare and big-budget films: from starring opposite Anne Hathaway in Love & Other Drugs to playing the villain Mysterio in Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise. Known for his commitment, Gyllenhaal often immerses himself deeply in roles (even performing on Broadway in recent years to excellent reviews).

14. Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill is a musical icon and another Columbia University notable alumni who attended Columbia University briefly in the 1990s. Already known for her role in Sister Act 2 and as a member of the pioneering hip-hop group The Fugees, Hill enrolled at Columbia College in 1993.

During her first semester, Hill tried to balance student life with recording commitments (The Fugees were on the rise), even giving an MTV “Dorm Tour” segment from her Columbia dorm room in 1993 that later resurfaced nostalgically online. Ultimately, she left after that initial semester to focus on music, but returned for another short stint in spring 1995 before The Fugees’ second album blew up.

What Lauryn Hill did after leaving Columbia is the stuff of music legend. In 1996, The Fugees released The Score, one of the best-selling and most acclaimed hip-hop albums ever (with hits like “Killing Me Softly”).

Hill then embarked on a solo career, releasing The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998, an album often cited as a masterpiece blending soul, reggae, and rap. It earned her five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, making Hill the first woman to win that many Grammys in one night at the time. The album’s very title, Miseducation, was partly inspired by her experiences learning and growing beyond formal schooling.

15. Kate McKinnon

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Theater (Class of 2006)

Kate Berthold, famously known as Kate McKinnon, is another Columbia notable alumni known for her uncanny comedic talents and characters. At Columbia, McKinnon majored in theater and co-founded a campus comedy group. She was a fixture of the Columbia Varsity Show (the annual student-written musical) and won the John Jay Award for leadership—early evidence of the brilliance that would make her a star.

McKinnon’s big break came a few years after graduation when she joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2012. There, she made history as SNL’s first openly lesbian female cast member, and soon became one of the show’s most beloved players over a decade.

McKinnon won two Emmys for her SNL work, and her hilariously deadpan commitment in each sketch made her a fan favorite. Outside of SNL, she’s appeared in films like the all-female Ghostbusters (2016), where her zany turn as Jillian Holtzmann stole scenes, and more recently in the 2023 summer blockbuster Barbie, playing the quirky “Weird Barbie.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the richest Columbia alumnus?

As of 2025, Warren Buffett stands out as the wealthiest alumnus of Columbia University. As of August 2025, his net worth is estimated at approximately $138.7 billion, placing him among the richest individuals globally.

2. Which celebrities went to Columbia?

Notable alumni include Oscar-nominated actor Timothée Chalamet, known for Call Me by Your Name and Dune, and Jake Gyllenhaal, star of Brokeback Mountain and Nightcrawler. Former First Lady Michelle Obama also attended Columbia, where she earned her law degree.

Actress Kerry Washington, famous for Scandal, graduated from Columbia College. Julia Stiles, known for 10 Things I Hate About You and The Bourne Identity, graduated with a degree in English Literature.

3. How can I connect with Columbia University’s famous alumni if I’m a current student?

The university hosts events, networking opportunities, and talks where alumni return to campus to share their experiences. You can also connect with them through LinkedIn or by attending alumni gatherings, many of which are organized by the university.

Takeaways

• Columbia University has been a launchpad for some of the most influential figures across various fields, from politics and business to science and the arts.
• Some of Columbia’s notable alumni include Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Warren Buffett, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and Ben Horowitz.
• Aiming to study at Columbia? Working with a college admissions consultant can help sharpen your application strategy and increase your chances of becoming a Columbian.