Top 15 Princeton University Notable Alumni

With an acceptance rate of only 4.6% for the Class of 2028, those who make it to Princeton join a powerhouse community of thinkers, doers, and innovators. In this blog, we’re spotlighting 15 Princeton University notable alumni whose impact spans politics, tech, business, science, and the arts—proving that once a Tiger, always a trailblazer.

• Political Figures Who Went to Princeton
• Tech Giants Who Went to Princeton
• Business and Academic Leaders Who Went to Princeton
• Celebrities Who Went to Princeton
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Political Figures Who Went to Princeton

Princeton has a rich history of producing leaders who’ve shaped governments and policies around the world. These Tigers have carried their Princeton values into the halls of power, leaving a lasting mark on history.

1. Michelle Obama

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Class of 1985)

Michelle Obama is one of the Princeton University notable alumni who have made a global impact. She graduated with honors in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. At Princeton, Obama wrote a senior thesis on the African American experience and was actively involved in community service and student organizations.

As First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, Michelle championed causes like healthy eating and girls’ education. Her Princeton education helped shape her commitment to public service and social issues. which she carried into her role in the White House.

In recent years, Michelle Obama has remained a beloved public figure and advocate. She authored best-selling memoirs, including Becoming in 2018 and Overcoming in 2024, sharing personal stories and advice.

2. Sonia Sotomayor

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History (Class of 1976)

Sonia Sotomayor is celebrated as a Princeton University notable alumni in law and public service. She graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. At Princeton, Sotomayor was a trailblazing student: she co-chaired a Latino student group and won the Moses Taylor Pyne Honor Prize, the university’s highest undergraduate honor.

After Princeton, Sotomayor went on to Yale Law School and built a distinguished legal career, eventually becoming the first Latina Justice in the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009.

She remains active on the Supreme Court, known for her powerful dissents and advocacy for equality and justice. Recently, Princeton honored her by naming a campus building “Sonia Sotomayor Hall” in 2025.

3. Elena Kagan

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History (Class of 1981)

Elena Kagan is another Princeton University notable alumni who has reached the heights of the U.S. Supreme Court. Kagan graduated summa cum laude. As an undergraduate, she was known for her sharp intellect and leadership at The Daily Princetonian student newspaper.

After Princeton, she attended Oxford on a fellowship and then Harvard Law, eventually becoming Dean of Harvard Law School and the first woman U.S. Solicitor General.

Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2010, she has become known for clear, accessible opinions and a talent for finding common ground. Recently, Princeton awarded Kagan the Woodrow Wilson Award for her exemplary public service.

4. Ted Cruz

Degree: Bachelor’s in Public Policy (Class of 1992)

Ted Cruz has made his mark in politics as one of the Princeton University notable alumni in public office. Cruz graduated from the Woodrow Wilson School (now SPIA), after a standout college career in debate. In fact, he was Princeton’s top debater, winning national awards and sharpening the skills he’d later use in the Senate.

Today, Ted Cruz serves as U.S. Senator from Texas, a position he’s held since 2013. Conversational and direct, he’s known for his fiery floor speeches and principled stands on conservative issues. Recently, Cruz won re-election for a third term in the Senate, staying in the national spotlight.

Tech Giants Who Went to Princeton

Innovation runs deep in Princeton’s DNA, and many of its alumni have gone on to revolutionize the tech world. These forward-thinkers have founded game-changing companies, advanced groundbreaking technologies, and shaped how we live and work today.

5. Jeff Bezos

Degree: Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Class of 1986)

Jeff Bezos is among the Princeton University notable alumni who became one of the world’s most famous tech moguls. He graduated with highest honors and Phi Beta Kappa.

At Princeton, Bezos was known for his analytical mind and big dreams. Just a few years after college, he famously left a Wall Street job to found Amazon in 1994, starting as an online bookstore and growing it into a tech empire.

Recently, Jeff Bezos stepped down as Amazon’s CEO to focus on new ventures like Blue Origin (his spaceflight company) and philanthropy. He remains a prominent figure in tech and business, regularly in the news for space launches or big charitable pledges.

6. Eric Schmidt

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Class of 1976)

Eric Schmidt stands out among Princeton University notable alumni for his leadership in the tech industry. After Princeton (and a Ph.D. at Berkeley), Schmidt became a seasoned tech executive. Famously, he served as the CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011, mentoring Google’s young founders and guiding the company from a startup to a global giant.

In recent years, Eric Schmidt has remained an influential figure in tech and philanthropy. He was Google’s Executive Chairman and later started Schmidt Futures, funding research in AI and science.

Schmidt often discusses the promise and perils of artificial intelligence. He even co-authored a 2023 book, “Genesis,” on AI’s impact. He stays connected to Princeton too, supporting technology initiatives on campus, like the new Schmidt Hall for computer science.

7. Meg Whitman

Degree: Bachelor’s in Economics (Class of 1977)

Meg Whitman is one of Princeton’s notable alumni who made waves both in Silicon Valley and beyond. Meg’s business career skyrocketed when she became CEO of eBay in 1998, turning a small online auction site into a multibillion-dollar e-commerce platform during the dot-com boom.

Whitman helped grow eBay’s user community from millions to over 100 million during her tenure. After eBay, Whitman led Hewlett-Packard and served in various leadership roles, showing a knack for steering complex tech companies.

In 2021, she was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, transitioning from corporate leadership to diplomacy and public service. She has also invested in and advised startups, always staying current with technology trends. On top of that, she made time to enter politics, running for governor of California in 2010.

8. Joseph Lubin

Degree: Master’s in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Class of 1980)

Joseph Lubin is one of Princeton University’s notable alumni in the cutting-edge world of blockchain technology. A self-described computer science geek, he worked in Princeton’s robotics lab and in finance technology early on.

Joseph went on to co-found Ethereum in 2014—a groundbreaking blockchain platform that brought us smart contracts and decentralized apps. Lubin explains that blockchain can decentralize power and open new possibilities. As founder of ConsenSys, a blockchain software company, he’s helped bring Ethereum’s innovations to developers and enterprises worldwide.

In recent news, Lubin continues to be a leading voice in cryptocurrency and Web3 innovation. He’s been advocating for clearer crypto regulations and funding projects to build the “decentralized internet.”

Business and Academic Leaders Who Went to Princeton

Princeton’s influence extends into boardrooms and lecture halls alike. Its alumni have built global businesses, led renowned institutions, and inspired change across industries—proving that a Princeton education is as powerful in the marketplace as it is in academia.

9. Carl Icahn

Degree: Bachelor’s in Philosophy (Class of 1957)

Carl Icahn is a Princeton University notable alumni known for his bold moves on Wall Street. Icahn made his name as a billionaire investor and “corporate raider,” shaking up companies to unlock shareholder value. In the 1980s, he famously took over TWA airlines, and over the decades, he built Icahn Enterprises—a conglomerate with holdings in energy, casinos, and more.

His hefty net worth and influence landed him on the Forbes 400 list year after year. For instance, he ranked 18th richest American in one tally, with an estimated $14.5 billion. Carl Icahn also gives back: Princeton’s genomics research center sits in Carl C. Icahn Laboratory, thanks to his $20 million gift. 

10. Steve Forbes

Degree: Bachelor’s in Politics (Class of 1970)

Malcolm “Steve” Forbes Jr. is another Princeton University notable alumni who merged media and politics in his influential career. He majored in politics and was known on campus for his entrepreneurial spirit (he founded The Princeton Tory, a conservative magazine).

After college, he joined the family business—Forbes magazine—eventually becoming President and CEO of Forbes, Inc. Under his leadership, Forbes expanded its financial journalism and the famous Forbes 400 rich list. Steve’s approachable writing style made business news more conversational for everyday readers.

Beyond publishing, Steve Forbes stepped into the political arena. He ran for U.S. President in 1996 and 2000, championing a flat tax and conservative economic ideas. While he didn’t win, he left a mark on the debate stage with his plain-spoken advocacy for simpler taxes.

11. Wendy Kopp

Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs (Class of 1989)

Wendy Kopp is among Princeton’s notable alumni who transformed a senior thesis idea into a nationwide movement in education. As a senior, she passionately proposed creating a national teacher corps to tackle educational inequality—literally writing the blueprint for Teach For America (TFA) in her thesis.

One year after graduation, she made that idea a reality, recruiting 500 new college grads to teach in underserved schools. Wendy rallied resources and young talent, and TFA grew into a renowned nonprofit that has reached millions of students.

In recent years, Wendy Kopp hasn’t slowed down. She co-founded Teach For All in 2007, extending the model globally to over 60 countries. As CEO of Teach For All, she mentors social entrepreneurs worldwide, sharing lessons and optimism.

Princeton itself recognized her with the Woodrow Wilson Award in 1993, its top honor for alumni, for exemplifying the university’s service ethos.

Celebrities Who Went to Princeton

From the big screen to bestselling books, Princeton alumni have made their mark in arts and entertainment. These stars prove that Tigers can shine just as brightly under the spotlight.

12. Brooke Shields

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Romance Language and Literatures (French major) (Class of 1987)

Brooke Shields is among the Princeton University notable alumni who became a household name in entertainment. Already a famous model and actress as a teenager (from films like Blue Lagoon), Brooke made the unusual decision to pause Hollywood and attend Princeton. Shields has joked that Princeton gave her “the normal college experience” she craved after early fame.

After Princeton, Brooke Shields returned to acting with new depth. She starred in the NBC sitcom Suddenly Susan in the ’90s, did Broadway shows, and authored books, including one on postpartum depression that helped many women.

Recently, Brooke has been in the spotlight again with a 2023 documentary about her life, where she talks openly about her experiences growing up in the public eye.

13. David Duchovny

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature (Class of 1982)

David Duchovny is another Princeton University notable alumni who skyrocketed to celebrity status—in his case, as an actor, writer, and even musician. He graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. Fun fact: his senior thesis analyzed “the schizophrenic critique of Pure Reason” in Samuel Beckett’s novels.

In the 1990s, Duchovny became a pop culture icon as FBI Agent Fox Mulder on The X-Files, blending deadpan humor with spooky intrigue. Fans adored his wry, brainy charm. He won Golden Globes for that and later for playing a rakish writer in Californication. Beyond acting, David has written novels, recorded rock albums, and even earned a master’s at Yale.

14. Ellie Kemper

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English (Class of 2002)

Ellie Kemper is a Princeton University notable alumni who has lit up screens with her comedic talent. During college, Ellie was an upbeat presence: she wrote and performed in the Triangle Club musical-comedy troupe and even played on the varsity field hockey team. After Princeton (and a year studying at Oxford), Kemper plunged into comedy, training with improv groups like Upright Citizens Brigade.

National fame came when Ellie landed the role of Erin Hannon, the sweet receptionist on NBC’s The Office. Her lovable, quirky performance made her a fan favorite. She then starred as the irrepressibly optimistic Kimmy in Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, earning Emmy nominations. Recently, she turned author, publishing a humorous essay collection, and has been hosting a popular podcast.

15. Maria Ressa

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English (Class of 1986)

Maria Ressa is not your typical “celebrity,” but she stands among Princeton University’s notable alumni who achieved global fame through courage. Ressa co-founded Rappler in 2012 and won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize for defending press freedom. She has become internationally known—appearing on Time’s Most Influential list and speaking at forums worldwide.

Despite facing arrest and harassment, Ressa’s spirits remain indomitable. She uses her platform to rally support for truth and justice, making complex issues accessible with the power of journalism.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the richest notable Princeton alumni?

The richest notable Princeton University alumnus is Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. As of August 2025, his net worth is around $235 billion.

2. Which celebrities went to Princeton?

Actress and model Brooke Shields ’87 paused her Hollywood career to earn a French literature degree, while David Duchovny ’82, star of The X-Files and Californication, graduated with honors in English literature. Comedic actress Ellie Kemper ’02, known for The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, also earned an English degree and was active in campus theater.

3. What fields do Princeton’s notable alumni excel in the most?

While Princeton is famous for producing leaders in politics, law, and academia, its alumni also excel in business, technology, science, the arts, and journalism. This diversity reflects the university’s liberal arts foundation and global outlook.

Takeaways

• Princeton University’s notable alumni are proof that this Ivy League institution shapes leaders, innovators, and changemakers who leave a lasting impact far beyond campus.
• Some notable Princeton alumni include Michelle Obama, Jeff Bezos, Steve Forbes, Eric Schmidt, and Maria Ressa.
• Aspiring to study at Princeton? Working with a college admissions consultant can help sharpen your application strategy and increase your chances of joining the ranks of Tigers.