Princeton University notable alumni have left an indelible mark across politics, business, science, literature, and beyond, showcasing the transformative power of a Princeton education. As one of the Ivy League's oldest institutions, founded in 1746, Princeton boasts a network of influential figures whose achievements highlight the university's emphasis on rigorous academics, leadership development, and innovation. These famous graduates of Princeton University exemplify how the school's undergraduate focus—no graduate programs until later expansions—fosters deep intellectual growth and real-world impact.
In politics, Woodrow Wilson (Ph.D. 1886), the only U.S. president with a doctoral degree and former Princeton president, shaped global diplomacy through the League of Nations. Michelle Obama (J.D. 1988) became First Lady, championing education and health initiatives. Business titans like Jeff Bezos (B.S.E. 1986 in electrical engineering and computer science), founder of Amazon, demonstrate Princeton's role in fueling entrepreneurial breakthroughs, turning a garage startup into a trillion-dollar empire.
Science shines brightly with 18 Nobel laureates affiliated, including John Nash (Ph.D. 1950), whose game theory work inspired A Beautiful Mind, and physicists like John Bardeen. Literature icons such as F. Scott Fitzgerald (attended 1913) captured the Jazz Age in The Great Gatsby. Sports figures and even royals like Queen Noor of Jordan add diversity to this roster.
The implications are profound: Princeton's alumni network offers unparalleled opportunities for current students and job seekers. Check faculty insights on Rate My Professor for Princeton courses, or explore higher ed jobs in the area. For more on scientific giants, see the Nobel Laureates list. Visit the official Princeton Alumni page or comprehensive lists for verified details. In Princeton, New Jersey, this legacy inspires—discover academic opportunities via Academic Jobs in Princeton or New Jersey. Whether eyeing faculty roles or scholarships, Princeton's track record signals elite potential.
Princeton University notable alumni span presidents, actors, billionaires, Nobel laureates, and more, showcasing the transformative power of a Princeton education. Famous graduates of Princeton University have led nations, starred in blockbusters, built empires, and unlocked scientific breakthroughs, inspiring students and job seekers worldwide. From the Ivy League's rigorous academics to its storied campus in Princeton, New Jersey, these influential leaders highlight why Princeton produces such high-impact talent. Explore academic jobs in Princeton or check Rate My Professor for insights into today's faculty shaping tomorrow's stars.
Princeton boasts U.S. presidents and Supreme Court justices among its politics alumni, with figures who drafted the Constitution and shaped modern policy during their time at what was then the College of New Jersey.
Others include Jeff Bezos in policy influence. View full politics list. See more at Princeton's Alumni Association.
Princeton University celebrities light up Hollywood, blending Ivy intellect with star power in films and TV.
Notable alumni from Princeton University include self-made billionaires revolutionizing tech and finance.
Princeton's network propels grads to higher-ed jobs and beyond. For Nobel winners like John Nash, see nobel-laureates.
Discovering the Princeton University notable alumni is like flipping through a who's who of world-changers, blending brains, boldness, and blockbuster stories that inspire students and job seekers alike. This Ivy League powerhouse in Princeton, New Jersey, has produced trailblazers whose journeys from Nassau Hall to global fame offer entertaining insights into resilience and innovation. Take Jeff Bezos, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in electrical engineering and computer science in 1986. Fresh out of Princeton, he launched Amazon from his garage in 1994, turning a simple online bookstore into a trillion-dollar empire. His story? A classic underdog tale of spotting e-commerce potential when others saw none, proving Princeton's rigorous problem-solving training pays off big—literally, as one of the millionaires-and-billionaires from its ranks.
Then there's Michelle Obama, who graduated with a sociology degree in 1985. As First Lady, she championed education and health initiatives like Let's Move!, drawing from her Princeton experiences to break barriers. Her memoir Becoming shares hilarious and heartfelt campus anecdotes, showing how the university's tight-knit community fosters lifelong networks. Politics shines too: Woodrow Wilson, Princeton class of 1879 and later university president, became the 28th U.S. President, leading America through World War I while advancing progressive reforms.
For brainiac thrills, mathematician John Nash (PhD 1950) won the Nobel Prize in Economics for game theory, immortalized in A Beautiful Mind—a rollercoaster of genius and struggle. Princeton boasts numerous Nobel laureates, with alumni like physicists Richard Feynman and economists like Paul Krugman pushing scientific boundaries. Entertainment adds flair: F. Scott Fitzgerald attended in the 1910s, channeling Princeton's glamour into This Side of Paradise, while actors like Dean Cain (Superman in Lois & Lane) and Wentworth Miller (Prison Break) bring star power.
These notable alumni from Princeton University highlight trends: over recent decades, grads dominate tech, policy, and Nobel wins, thanks to interdisciplinary programs. Curious about faculty? Peek at Rate My Professor for Princeton insights. Job hunters, explore higher-ed-jobs or Academic Jobs in Princeton. Dive deeper via the official Princeton Alumni site or comprehensive lists. Their achievements remind us: Princeton doesn't just educate—it ignites legacies. Whether aiming for breakthroughs or boardrooms, these tales fuel ambition for global dreamers eyeing United States academia.
Exploring Princeton University notable alumni reveals a legacy of extraordinary achievements that continue to inspire students, faculty, staff, parents, and job seekers worldwide. These ratings evaluate alumni impact across key categories on a scale of 10, using star symbols where full stars (✭) represent strengths and empty ones (☆) areas for growth. Ratings draw from verified accomplishments like Nobel Prizes, presidencies, and business empires, sourced from official Princeton records and trusted lists. For instance, Princeton boasts numerous Nobel laureates, underscoring its excellence in research and innovation.
Princeton shines brightest here, producing leaders like Woodrow Wilson (AB 1879), the 28th U.S. President and only U.S. president with a PhD, who shaped modern governance. Michelle Obama (AB 1985), former First Lady, exemplifies public impact through advocacy. This top rating reflects Princeton's rigorous programs in public affairs. Advice: Job seekers eyeing policy roles should leverage alumni networks via the official Princeton Alumni site and explore higher ed jobs in public administration.
Jeff Bezos (BSE 1986 in electrical engineering and computer science), Amazon founder and world's richest person for years, highlights entrepreneurial prowess among notable alumni from Princeton University. Others like Meg Whitman (AB 1977), former eBay CEO, built tech giants. The near-perfect score nods to trailblazing yet room for more recent unicorns. Tip: Students, build skills in Princeton's entrepreneurship clubs; check rate my professor for top business faculty and apply for academic jobs in Princeton, New Jersey.
With alumni like John Nash (MA 1950, Nobel in Economics 1994 for game theory) and over 18 Nobel affiliates per detailed lists, Princeton excels. Richard Feynman (PhD 1942, Physics Nobel) advanced quantum electrodynamics. Perfect rating for breakthroughs. Advice: Aspiring researchers, use higher ed career advice on academic CVs and scholarships to follow suit; rate professors at Rate My Professor for guidance.
F. Scott Fitzgerald (attended 1913) penned The Great Gatsby, while Jimmy Stewart (attended) starred in classics. Solid but lower due to fewer blockbusters. Inspiration: Cultivate creativity through Princeton's arts scene.
These ratings motivate by showing pathways from Nassau Hall to global stages. Parents, highlight these to kids; faculty, connect via alumni events. For full lists, see Princeton's Wikipedia alumni page. Total impact positions Princeton as a launchpad—aim high!
Princeton University has produced numerous Nobel Laureates among its alumni across disciplines including physics, chemistry, economics, mathematics, psychology, molecular biophysics, and political science. These distinguished individuals have driven transformative advancements in scientific discovery, economic modeling, and international diplomacy.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence R. Klein | Economist and Professor | Economics | AM 1941; PhD 1944 | Received the 1980 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for developing dynamic models of economic fluctuations. |
| John F. Nash Jr. | Mathematician | Mathematics | AB 1948; MA 1948; PhD 1950 | Awarded the 1994 Nobel Prize in Economics for seminal work on the theory of non-cooperative games and equilibrium analysis. |
| Arno A. Penzias | Physicist | Physics | PhD 1962 | Shared the 1978 Nobel Prize in Physics for the accidental discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation, confirming the Big Bang theory. |
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| Robert W. Wilson | Physicist | Physics | PhD 1962 | Shared the 1978 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation using a radio telescope. |
| Richard E. Smalley | Chemist and Professor | Chemistry | AB 1965 | Won the 1996 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of carbon-60 fullerenes, buckyballs, advancing nanotechnology. |
| Robert J. Aumann | Mathematician and Economist | Mathematics | AB 1950 | Received the 2005 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for contributions to game theory frameworks on cooperation and conflict. |
| Daniel Kahneman | Psychologist and Professor | Psychology | PhD 1961 | Awarded the 2002 Nobel Prize in Economics for pioneering behavioral economics through prospect theory and decision-making research. |
| Russell A. Hulse | Astrophysicist | Physics | PhD 1975 | Shared the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering the first binary pulsar, providing key evidence for gravitational radiation. |
| Thomas A. Steitz | Biophysicist and Biochemist | Molecular Biophysics | PhD 1970 | Earned the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for elucidating the atomic structure and function of the ribosome. |
| Woodrow Wilson | 28th President of the United States | Politics | AB 1879 | Earned the 1919 Nobel Peace Prize for his visionary leadership in establishing the League of Nations following World War I. |
Princeton University alumni include numerous millionaires and billionaires who have shaped industries like technology, finance, and software through innovative leadership and entrepreneurship. Their successes underscore the institution's rigorous training in economics, engineering, and related fields, driving global economic impact.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Bezos | Founder and Executive Chairman of Amazon | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | 1986 | Revolutionized online retail and cloud computing as the founder of Amazon, becoming one of the world's richest individuals. |
| MacKenzie Scott | Philanthropist and Author | English | 1992 | Renowned for massive philanthropic donations supporting education, health, and racial equity initiatives. |
| David Duffield | Co-founder of Workday | Electrical Engineering | 1962 | Created enterprise software leaders PeopleSoft and Workday, focusing on human capital management solutions. |
| Eric Schmidt | Former CEO of Google | Electrical Engineering | 1976 | Guided Google's explosive growth into a tech giant and advanced innovations in search and AI. |
| Henry Kravis | Co-founder and Co-Executive Chairman of KKR & Co. | Economics | 1967 | Pioneered the leveraged buyout industry with KKR, building one of the largest private equity firms worldwide. |
| Meg Whitman | Former CEO of eBay and Hewlett-Packard | Economics | 1978 | Transformed eBay into a global marketplace and led HP through major transitions, amassing significant wealth in tech leadership. |
Princeton University boasts notable alumni across entertainment fields including Actors, Musicians, Composers, Gamers, and Chess masters, with particular strengths in acting and jazz music. These graduates and attendees have shaped Hollywood cinema, television comedy, and innovative musical compositions, earning awards and influencing global popular culture.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooke Shields | Actress and Model | French Literature | 1987 | Acclaimed for her breakout role in The Blue Lagoon (1980) and starring in the TV series Suddenly Susan, she has also become a bestselling author and mental health advocate. |
| Ryan Lott | Composer and Musician | Music Composition | 2008 | As Son Lux, scored films like The Skeleton Twins and Mucho Mucho Amor, blending electronic and orchestral elements in innovative albums. |
| Tobias Picker | Composer | Music | 1973 | Award-winning opera and orchestral composer known for works like Fantastic Mr. Fox and Emmeline, premiered at major venues like the Metropolitan Opera. |
| Joshua Redman | Jazz Saxophonist | Social Studies | 1991 | Renowned saxophonist and two-time Grammy winner leading the Joshua Redman Quartet and collaborating with artists like Brad Mehldau. |
| Wentworth Miller | Actor | English Literature | attended 1990-1992 | Gained international fame as Michael Scofield in Prison Break and as Darian in The Human Stain, also writing and directing short films. |
| Angela Kinsey | Actress | English | 1993 | Portrayed the uptight accountant Angela Martin in The Office U.S., with recurring roles in New Girl and Hacks, showcasing her deadpan humor. |
| Ellie Kemper | Actress | English | 2002 | Starred as Erin Hannon in The Office and titular character in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, earning Emmy nominations and praise for her comedic timing. |
| James Stewart | Actor | Architecture | 1932 | Legendary Hollywood star known for iconic roles in It's a Wonderful Life, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and The Philadelphia Story, winning an Academy Award for Best Actor. |
This section features prominent professors, educators, and academics affiliated with Princeton University as alumni, faculty, or attendees. These individuals have driven educational innovation, led reforms, and achieved groundbreaking contributions in research and teaching across diverse fields.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodrow Wilson | President of Princeton University | Politics | AB 1879 | Served as the 13th president of Princeton from 1902 to 1910, reforming the curriculum by introducing the preceptorial system and emphasizing independent study. |
| Robert P. George | McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence | Politics | unknown | Leading scholar in constitutional law and ethics; director of Princeton's James Madison Program. |
| Angus Deaton | Professor of Economics and International Affairs | Economics | unknown | Nobel Prize in Economics (2015) for consumption, poverty, and welfare analysis; Presidential Professor at Princeton. |
| Eugene Wigner | Professor of Physics | Physics | unknown | Nobel Prize in Physics (1963) for nuclear physics principles; faculty at Princeton contributing to quantum mechanics. |
| Anne-Marie Slaughter | Former Dean, School of Public and International Affairs | International Relations | AB 1980 | Served as dean from 2002-2004 and policy leader; expert on international law and foreign affairs. |
| Cecilia Rouse | Professor of Economics and Public Affairs | Economics | PhD 1989 | First Black Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers (2021-2023); influential labor economist and Princeton faculty. |
| Cornel West | Professor of Philosophy and African American Studies | Philosophy | PhD 1980 | Prominent public intellectual and author; former Princeton professor known for works on race, democracy, and religion. |
| Richard Feynman | Theoretical Physicist | Physics | PhD 1942 | Nobel Prize in Physics (1965) for quantum electrodynamics; completed doctoral work at Princeton under supervision of key faculty. |
| P. James Peebles | Professor Emeritus of Physics | Physics | AB 1958 | Nobel Prize in Physics (2019) for cosmology discoveries; pioneering faculty in Princeton's Physics Department. |
| Christopher Eisgruber | President of Princeton University | Politics | AB 1983 | 20th president of Princeton since 2013, previously provost; shaped university policy on diversity and academics. |
| Manjul Bhargava | Brandon Fradd Professor of Mathematics | Mathematics | AB 1996 | Fields Medal winner (2014) for number theory contributions; Princeton alumnus and professor since 2006. |
| Eric Maskin | Adams University Professor | Economics | unknown | Nobel Prize in Economics (2007) for mechanism design theory; distinguished professor at Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study and faculty. |
| Paul Krugman | Professor Emeritus of Economics and International Affairs | Economics | unknown | Received the 2008 Nobel Prize in Economics for trade theory analysis; influential columnist and Princeton faculty member since 1980. |
| Ben Bernanke | Professor of Economics and Public Affairs | Economics | PhD 1979 | Awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Economics for research on banks and financial crises; former Chair of the Federal Reserve and long-time Princeton faculty. |
| John Forbes Nash Jr. | Professor of Mathematics | Mathematics | AB 1948, PhD 1950 | Mathematician whose game theory work earned the 1994 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences; spent much of his career as faculty at Princeton. |
This section highlights notable Princeton University alumni including scientists, medical professionals, researchers, engineers, inventors, environmental scientists, marine biologists, and oceanographers. These individuals have driven pivotal advancements in STEM fields, shaping innovations in technology, medicine, and environmental understanding.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Hofstadter | Physicist | Physics | Ph.D. 1938 | Nobel Prize in Physics 1961 for discoveries of the structure of nucleons using electron scattering. |
| Stanley Corrsin | Aeronautical Engineer | Aeronautical Engineering | 1944 | Established foundational theories in turbulence research for aerospace applications. |
| David P. Billington | Structural Engineer | Civil Engineering | 1950 | Pioneered prestressed concrete bridge design and authored influential works on engineering history. |
| Jeff Bezos | Engineer, Inventor | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | 1986 | Founder of Amazon.com, holds numerous patents in e-commerce and cloud computing technologies. |
| Eric Schmidt | Engineer | Electrical Engineering | Ph.D. 1982 | Former CEO of Google, instrumental in its growth into a global technology leader. |
| Ben Roy Mottelson | Physicist | Physics | Ph.D. 1950 | Nobel Prize in Physics 1975 for discoveries concerning the connection between collective motion and particle motion in atomic nuclei. |
| F. Duncan Haldane | Physicist | Physics | Ph.D. 1978 | Nobel Prize in Physics 2016 for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter. |
| John M. Kosterlitz | Physicist | Physics | Ph.D. 1970 | Nobel Prize in Physics 2016 for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter. |
| David MacMillan | Chemist | Chemistry | Ph.D. 1990 | Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2021 for the development of asymmetric organocatalysis. |
| Michael Rosbash | Biologist | Biology | Ph.D. 1970 | Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2017 for elucidating molecular mechanisms controlling circadian rhythms. |
| Peter Agre | Medical Researcher | Chemistry | 1970 | Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2003 for discoveries regarding water channels in cell membranes. |
| James Cronin | Physicist | Physics | 1947 | Nobel Prize in Physics 1980 for the discovery of CP violation in weak interactions. |
| John Forbes Nash Jr. | Mathematician | Mathematics | 1948 | Developed the Nash equilibrium concept in game theory, earning the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1994. |
| Charles H. Townes | Physicist | Physics | Ph.D. 1939 | Nobel Prize in Physics 1964 for fundamental principles of the maser and laser. |
| John Bardeen | Physicist | Electrical Engineering | 1934 | Sole recipient of two Nobel Prizes in Physics for the transistor (1956) and BCS theory of superconductivity (1972). |
| Richard Feynman | Theoretical Physicist | Physics | Ph.D. 1942 | Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965 for quantum electrodynamics and known for Feynman diagrams. |
| Eric Betzig | Biophysicist | Molecular Biology | Ph.D. 1988 | Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2014 for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy. |
Princeton University alumni have made profound impacts in business as Tech Entrepreneurs and Innovators, Economists, and Financiers, driving technological revolutions, shaping economic policies, and leading major financial institutions worldwide.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Singer | Founder of Elliott Management | 1966 | Activist investor managing one of the most successful hedge funds globally. | |
| Jeremy Stein | Former Governor of the Federal Reserve | Economics | 1987 | PhD economist focusing on financial regulation and monetary policy. |
| Ronnie L. Bloom | Former Assistant to the President for Manufacturing Policy | 1981 | Labor economist and advisor shaping U.S. manufacturing and economic policy. | |
| Thomas Siebel | Founder of C3.ai | 1979 | Serial entrepreneur pioneering enterprise AI software solutions. | |
| Alan Blinder | Economist and Vice Chairman of the Federal Reserve | Economics | 1967 | Influential economist advising on monetary policy and authoring key economic texts. |
| Mario Gabelli | Founder of GAMCO Investors | Economics | 1965 | Value investor and money manager with a career spanning decades in equities. |
| Aneel Bhusri | Co-founder and CEO of Workday | 1988 | Built a leading cloud-based enterprise software company valued at tens of billions. | |
| Scott Kupor | Managing Partner at Andreessen Horowitz | Politics | 1993 | Leads investments in tech startups, backing companies like Airbnb and Lyft. |
| Henry Paulson | Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury | English | 1968 | CEO of Goldman Sachs before overseeing the government's response to the 2008 financial meltdown. |
| Ben Bernanke | Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve | Economics | 1979 | PhD economist who led the U.S. central bank through the 2008 financial crisis, earning a Nobel Prize in Economics. |
| Stephen A. Schwarzman | CEO of Blackstone Group | 1969 | Co-founded the world's largest alternative asset manager, with Blackstone managing over $1 trillion in assets. | |
| David Tepper | Founder of Appaloosa Management | Economics | 1978 | Billionaire hedge fund manager known for bold investments during financial crises. |
| John C. Bogle | Founder of The Vanguard Group | Economics | 1951 | Pioneered index funds and low-cost investing, revolutionizing personal finance for millions. |
| Eric Schmidt | Former CEO of Google and Executive Chairman of Alphabet | Computer Science | 1982 | PhD alumnus who scaled Google into a tech giant and advised governments on technology policy. |
| Meg Whitman | CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise | Economics | 1977 | Led eBay as CEO during its explosive growth and later headed HP, showcasing expertise in tech and corporate turnarounds. |
| Jeff Bezos | Founder and Executive Chairman of Amazon | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | 1986 | Founded Amazon.com, transforming global e-commerce, cloud computing via AWS, and becoming one of the world's richest individuals. |
| Marc Rowan | CEO of Apollo Global Management | 1984 | Co-founder of one of the largest private equity firms, innovating in alternative investments. |
Princeton University alumni have distinguished themselves as pilots, astronauts, aerospace experts, navigators, adventurers, and explorers, driving pivotal advancements in space exploration and human discovery. Their achievements highlight the university's role in fostering innovators who expand the frontiers of knowledge and technology.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ronald M. Sega | NASA Astronaut | Physics | PhD 1982 | Flew on Space Shuttle missions STS-44 (1991) and STS-60 (1994), later becoming Under Secretary of the Air Force. |
| John W. Fabian | NASA Astronaut | Aeronautical Engineering | 1955 | Served as mission specialist on Space Shuttle missions STS-7 (1983) and STS-51-G (1985). |
| Pete Conrad | NASA Astronaut | Aeronautical Engineering | 1953 | Commanded the Apollo 12 mission, becoming the third person to walk on the Moon in 1969. |
Princeton University boasts a remarkable legacy of alumni in politics, including U.S. presidents and senators, international heads of state and government, as well as members of royalty and nobility. These graduates have left indelible marks on domestic policy, global diplomacy, constitutional frameworks, and leadership in turbulent times.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felipe VI | King of Spain | Public Affairs | MPA 2002 | Current King of Spain, attended as Prince of Asturias. |
| Mohammad bin Nayef | Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia | Political Science | 1981 | Former Deputy Crown Prince and Interior Minister combating terrorism. |
| Pavlos, Crown Prince of Greece | Crown Prince of Greece | Economics | 1984 | Heir to the former Greek throne and businessman. |
| Alejandro Toledo | President of Peru | Economics | PhD 1989 | Led Peru from 2001 to 2006, focusing on economic reforms. |
| Ashraf Ghani | President of Afghanistan | Anthropology | PhD 1983 | Served as president from 2014 amid efforts to stabilize the country. |
| Mario Draghi | Prime Minister of Italy | Economics | PhD 1977 | Steered Italy's COVID-19 recovery after leading the European Central Bank. |
| Ellen Johnson Sirleaf | 24th President of Liberia | Public Affairs | MPA 1971 | Africa's first female elected president and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. |
| Bill Bradley | U.S. Senator from New Jersey | Politics | 1965 | Three-term senator, Rhodes Scholar, NBA Hall of Famer, and 2000 presidential candidate. |
| Samuel Alito | Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court | Public and International Affairs | 1972 | Appointed in 2006, known for originalist interpretations in key rulings. |
| Sonia Sotomayor | Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court | 1976 | First Latina and third woman on the Supreme Court, appointed in 2009. | |
| Cory Booker | U.S. Senator from New Jersey | Politics | 1991 | Former Newark mayor championing criminal justice reform and social equity. |
| Bill Frist | U.S. Senate Majority Leader | Politics | 1974 | Led the Senate as Majority Leader and pioneered healthcare legislation as a transplant surgeon. |
| John Foster Dulles | 52nd U.S. Secretary of State | 1908 | Influential anti-communist policymaker under President Eisenhower. | |
| Dean Acheson | 61st U.S. Secretary of State | Economics | 1915 | Architect of U.S. Cold War strategy, including the Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine. |
| William Paterson | Governor of New Jersey and U.S. Senator | 1763 | Authored the New Jersey Plan at the Constitutional Convention and later served on the Supreme Court. | |
| Oliver Ellsworth | 3rd Chief Justice of the United States | 1766 | Contributed to the U.S. Constitution as a delegate from Connecticut and shaped early judiciary. | |
| Aaron Burr | 3rd Vice President of the United States | attended 1772 | Served under Thomas Jefferson and gained notoriety for his fatal duel with Alexander Hamilton. | |
| Woodrow Wilson | 28th President of the United States | Politics | PhD 1886 | The only U.S. president to earn a PhD, he guided the nation through World War I and pushed for the League of Nations. |
| James Madison | 4th President of the United States | 1771 | Architect of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, he is often called the Father of the Constitution. | |
| Michelle Obama | First Lady of the United States | Sociology | 1985 | Advocated for education, health, and military families during her husband's presidency. |
Featuring prominent Lawyers and Judges, Princeton University alumni have profoundly influenced the U.S. legal system through Supreme Court decisions, federal appeals, and high-level public service roles. Their achievements underscore the university's strong preparation for careers in law and judiciary.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahlon Pitney | Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States | 1879 | Served on the Supreme Court from 1912 to 1922 after careers as a New Jersey legislator and equity chancellor. | |
| Viet D. Dinh | Assistant Attorney General for Legal Policy | 1990 | Key architect of the USA PATRIOT Act and later executive vice president at Fox Corporation. | |
| Joseph P. Bradley | Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States | 1836 | Supreme Court Justice from 1870 to 1892, key figure in Reconstruction-era cases including the Slaughter-House Cases. | |
| Paul Clement | 43rd Solicitor General of the United States | Politics | 1989 | Argued 99 cases before the Supreme Court as Solicitor General from 2005 to 2008 and numerous others as private advocate. |
| Cyrus Vance | 76th U.S. Secretary of State | 1939 | Prominent lawyer who served as Secretary of State from 1977 to 1980 and earlier as Secretary of the Army. | |
| Dean Acheson | 61st U.S. Secretary of State | 1915 | Influential lawyer and statesman who shaped post-World War II foreign policy as Secretary of State from 1949 to 1953. | |
| Sonia Sotomayor | Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States | Public and International Affairs | 1976 | First Latina and third woman on the Supreme Court, appointed in 2009 after serving as a federal district and appeals court judge. |
| Elena Kagan | Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States | History | 1981 | Confirmed as the 112th Supreme Court Justice in 2010 after roles as U.S. Solicitor General and Dean of Harvard Law School. |
| Samuel A. Alito Jr. | Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States | Public and International Affairs | 1972 | Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2006 following service as a U.S. Attorney, federal appeals judge, and deputy Attorney General. |
| Nicholas Katzenbach | 65th U.S. Attorney General | 1940 | Served as Attorney General from 1965 to 1966, instrumental in enforcing civil rights laws and desegregation efforts. |
Princeton University has a storied tradition of producing military leaders who have risen to the highest ranks in the U.S. armed forces, including generals, admirals, and commanders in major conflicts. These alumni have shaped national defense strategies, led critical operations, and exemplified service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe W. Mason | Lieutenant General, U.S. Air Force | AB 1944 | Commander of key Air Force logistics commands supporting global operations. | |
| Chester V. Clifton Jr. | Brigadier General, U.S. Army | AB 1936 | Senior U.S. Army Aide to Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, involved in pivotal historical events. | |
| Robert L. Fair | Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy | AB 1951 | Director of Antisubmarine Warfare and key naval strategist during the Cold War. | |
| William H. Ginn | Major General, U.S. Air Force | AB 1952 | Commanded fighter wings and contributed to Air Force tactical operations. | |
| Gordon J. Humphrey | Brigadier General, U.S. Army Reserve | AB 1961 | Served in Vietnam and later as U.S. Senator from New Hampshire, blending military and political service. | |
| Norman Cota | Major General, U.S. Army | AB 1917 | Assistant Division Commander of the 29th Infantry Division, famous for leadership on Omaha Beach during D-Day. | |
| John R. Hodge | General, U.S. Army | AB 1917 | Commanded XXIV Corps and U.S. Army Forces in Korea following World War II liberation efforts. | |
| Charles A. Corcoran | Major General, U.S. Marine Corps | AB 1909 | Led Marine regiments in World War I combat operations in France. | |
| Donald A. Dawson | Lieutenant General, U.S. Army | AB 1940 | Deputy Commanding General of U.S. Continental Army Command, with service in World War II and Korea. | |
| Fred L. Anderson Jr. | Lieutenant General, U.S. Air Force | AB 1942 | Vice Commander of Strategic Air Command, pivotal in nuclear deterrence strategies during the Cold War era. | |
| Frederick C. Blesse | Major General, U.S. Air Force | AB 1943 | Triple ace fighter pilot with victories in World War II and Korea, later commanded key Air Force wings and Tactical Air Command. | |
| John P. Ryan | General, U.S. Army | AB 1947 | Four-star general who commanded U.S. Army Europe and later served as Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. | |
| Edward C. Meyer | Chief of Staff of the United States Army | Civil Engineering | BSE 1951 | Served as the 29th Army Chief of Staff from 1979 to 1983, overseeing major reforms and readiness during the Cold War. |
| William F. Halsey Jr. | Fleet Admiral, U.S. Navy | attended 1900-1904 | Commanded the Third Fleet and South Pacific forces during World War II, known for bold tactics in major Pacific battles. | |
| Merrill B. Twining | Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps | AB 1918 | Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air and influential in Marine aviation development. |
Princeton University boasts distinguished alumni in artists, designers, and architects, many emerging from its renowned School of Architecture and Department of Art and Archaeology, who have profoundly impacted modern architecture, visual arts, and design practices worldwide through innovative designs and theoretical contributions.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Whiting | Architect | Architecture | unknown | Dean of the Rice School of Architecture and co-founder of ANY (Architecture New York), advancing architectural discourse. |
| Eliot Butler Willauer | Architect | Architecture | unknown | Architect active in mid-20th century projects and Princeton School of Architecture alumnus. |
| Donald Wilber | Architect | Architecture | unknown | Architect specializing in Persian architecture restoration and author on Iranian historical sites. |
| Norval White | Architect | Architecture | unknown | Architect and co-author of the AIA Guide to New York City, documenting the city's built environment. |
| James von Klemperer | Architect | Architecture | unknown | President of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), overseeing high-profile skyscrapers worldwide. |
| William Turnbull Jr. | Architect | Architecture | unknown | Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, contributing to major corporate and institutional buildings. |
| James Stewart Polshek | Architect | Architecture | 1962 | Founder of Polshek Partnership (now Ennead Architects), noted for projects including the Clinton Presidential Library and Brooklyn Museum renovations. |
| Tony Spaeth | Designer | Design | unknown | Founder of Tony Spaeth Design, specializing in environmental graphics and wayfinding systems for public spaces. |
| Felicity D. Scott | Architectural Historian | Architecture | unknown | Professor of architecture history at Columbia University GSAPP and author of books on postwar modernism and Cold War architecture. |
| Charles Rose | Architect | Architecture | unknown | Founder of Charles Rose Architects, recognized for designing cultural institutions such as the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library expansion at Yale. |
| Robert Venturi | Architect | Architecture | 1947 | Pritzker Prize-winning (1991) postmodern architect and principal of Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, known for seminal works like the Vanna Venturi House and the book Learning from Las Vegas. |
| John Storyk | Architect | Architecture | unknown | Founder of WASA/Studio ACA, pioneering acoustic architecture for music venues like Electric Lady Studios. |
Princeton University boasts a rich legacy of writers, journalists, Pulitzer Prize winners, and literary figures who have profoundly influenced modern literature, journalism, and storytelling. These alumni have earned prestigious accolades, authored timeless works, and shaped cultural narratives through their innovative voices and critical insights.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Merrill | Poet | English | 1947 | Pulitzer Prize-winning poet celebrated for his epic work The Changing Light at Sandover. |
| Andrew Solomon | Writer | 1981 | National Book Award winner for Far from the Tree, exploring identity and family. | |
| Michael Lewis | Author and Journalist | Art History | 1982 | Bestselling author of Liar's Poker, Moneyball, and The Big Short, defining financial journalism. |
| David Remnick | Journalist and Editor | Politics | 1982 | Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Lenin's Tomb and longtime editor of The New Yorker. |
| Jodi Picoult | Novelist | Creative Writing | 1987 | Bestselling author of ethical thrillers like My Sister's Keeper, with over 40 million books sold. |
| Tony Kushner | Playwright | Theater | 1978 | Pulitzer Prize winner for Angels in America, a landmark play on AIDS and politics. |
| Norman Maclean | Author | English | 1928 (A.M.) | Author of the seminal novella A River Runs Through It, adapted into an acclaimed film. |
| John McPhee | Nonfiction Writer | English | 1953 | Pulitzer Prize winner for General Nonfiction (1999) known for masterful books on nature and exploration. |
| George Plimpton | Writer and Editor | English | 1950 | Founder of The Paris Review and pioneer of participatory journalism in sports and culture. |
| Budd Schulberg | Novelist and Screenwriter | 1936 | Academy Award winner for On the Waterfront screenplay and author of What Makes Sammy Run?. | |
| Thornton Wilder | Playwright | Romance Philology | 1926 (M.A.) | Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner for plays including Our Town and The Skin of Our Teeth. |
| John O'Hara | Novelist | Class of 1924 (attended) | Realist author of Appointment in Samarra and Butterfield 8, chronicling American social classes. | |
| Edmund Wilson | Literary Critic | History | 1916 | Influential critic and author whose works like Axel's Castle advanced modernist literature understanding. |
| Joyce Kilmer | Poet and Journalist | Journalism | 1908 | Beloved poet best known for 'Trees' and a prominent literary journalist who died in World War I. |
| F. Scott Fitzgerald | Novelist | English | 1917 | Author of The Great Gatsby and other Jazz Age masterpieces, capturing the glamour and disillusionment of 1920s America. |
Princeton University boasts a storied athletic tradition with alumni excelling as athletes across disciplines including basketball, football, ice hockey, swimming, track and field, and baseball. These sports figures have earned Olympic medals, professional contracts, national championships, and Hall of Fame honors, elevating the Princeton Tigers' legacy in Ivy League and beyond.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Bradley | Professional Basketball Player | Politics | 1965 | Led Princeton to an iconic NCAA tournament upset over top-ranked UCLA in 1965, won Olympic gold in 1964, and secured two NBA championships with the New York Knicks. |
| Dick Kazmaier | College Football Player | Economics | 1952 | Three-time All-American running back who finished second in 1951 Heisman Trophy voting and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. |
| Hobey Baker | College Hockey Player | 1914 | Pioneering hockey and football star whose legacy inspired the Hobey Baker Memorial Award for top U.S. college hockey player. | |
| Steve Goodrich | NBA Player | 1998 | One of nine Princeton alumni to reach the NBA, drafted by the Chicago Bulls and played for multiple teams including the Houston Rockets. | |
| John Hummer | NBA Player | 1969 | Played professionally for the Seattle SuperSonics and Buffalo Braves after starring for Princeton basketball. | |
| Kit Mueller | WNBA Player | 1990 | First Princeton woman to play professional basketball, appearing in the WNBA with the Utah Starzz. | |
| Chris Young | MLB Pitcher | Economics | 2003 | Pitched 13 seasons in Major League Baseball for teams including the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. |
| Don Paige | Track and Field Athlete | 1973 | Set the indoor mile world record in 1979 and was a five-time All-American in track for Princeton. | |
| Myles Smith | Olympic Track and Field Athlete | 1933 | Captured silver medal in high jump at the 1932 Olympics representing the U.S. | |
| Lynne Corcione | Olympic Swimmer | unknown | Competed for the U.S. in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and set national records in 100-yard butterfly and freestyle as a Princeton pioneer. | |
| Blaine Harris | Track and Field Athlete | unknown | Five-time NCAA All-American, 2002 NCAA indoor and outdoor high jump champion, and 2006 USA Outdoor champion. | |
| John Cobb | Professional Basketball Player | 1981 | Played professionally overseas after leading Princeton basketball in scoring. | |
| Chris Clemons | Professional Basketball Player | 2015 | Ivy League Player of the Year who advanced to the NBA G League after Princeton. |
Princeton University Social Sciences Alumni
Princeton University has produced influential alumni in social sciences, particularly Historians, Archaeologists, and Psychologists, whose pioneering research has advanced knowledge of human behavior, societal evolution, historical events, and ancient cultures. These scholars have earned prestigious awards, shaped academic disciplines, and impacted public policy and education worldwide.