What is the legacy rating for Princeton University alumni?

Princeton University alumni earn an exceptional legacy rating, frequently topping lists like EduRank's 100 most notable and Princeton Alumni Weekly's most influential. With presidents, billionaires, and Nobel laureates among famous graduates of Princeton University, their enduring impacts in leadership, innovation, and culture set a high bar. This legacy supports strong career outcomes for graduates.

How do alumni networks benefit at Princeton University?

Alumni networks at Princeton University offer mentorship, exclusive job placements, networking events, and funding opportunities through groups like the Princeton Alumni Association. Notable alumni from Princeton University provide real-world guidance, boosting career starts in competitive fields. Job seekers can leverage similar connections via Academic Jobs in New Jersey .

What are unique aspects of Princeton University?

Unique aspects of Princeton University include its massive $35+ billion endowment (largest per capita), Gothic campus with eating clubs instead of fraternities, top rankings (often #1 nationally), elite sports like Ivy League lacrosse champions, increasing diversity with targeted initiatives, and cultural depictions in media like The Princeton Review and films. These elements distinguish Princeton University celebrities and influential leaders.

Which Princeton University alumni are Nobel winners?

Princeton University Nobel winners total 18 affiliates in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology/Medicine, and Economics, including John Nash for game theory, Phil Anderson in physics, and others pioneering quantum mechanics and biochemistry. These Princeton University breakthroughs highlight the university's research prowess.

Who are Princeton University presidents among alumni?

Woodrow Wilson, class of 1879, is the most prominent U.S. President among Princeton University alumni, also serving as the university's president. His leadership shaped progressive policies, exemplifying influential leaders Princeton University.

What famous actors graduated from Princeton University?

Famous actors from Princeton University include Jimmy Stewart (It's a Wonderful Life), Brooke Shields (model and actress), and Wentworth Miller (Prison Break). These Princeton University celebrities blend Ivy prestige with Hollywood success.

Who are the billionaires among Princeton University alumni?

Princeton University billionaires feature Jeff Bezos (net worth over $200B), Marc Lore (e-commerce innovator), and others from finance and tech. Their stories showcase pathways for ambitious famous graduates of Princeton University.

What recent achievements mark Princeton University alumni?

Recent Princeton University alumni achievements include advancements in AI, climate tech, and policy; for example, alumni leading SpaceX contributions and recent Nobel nods in economics. These impacts continue the tradition of Princeton University breakthroughs.

How has Princeton University endowment benefited alumni?

Princeton University's $35B+ endowment funds scholarships, research, and alumni programs, enabling low costs and global opportunities that propel notable alumni from Princeton University to leadership roles.

What role do sports play in Princeton University alumni success?

Princeton University sports, dominant in lacrosse, rowing, and fencing, build teamwork and discipline, contributing to alumni success in business and leadership among influential leaders Princeton University.

Princeton Notable Alumni | Princeton Famous Graduates

Notable Alumni Overview from Princeton University

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.

🎓 Famous Graduates by Category at Princeton University

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.

Presidents and Politics

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.

Woodrow Wilson (PhD 1886): The only U.S. president with a doctorate, he led America through World War I, championed the League of Nations, and before that, served as Princeton's president—talk about a Tiger turning university head into world leader!
James Madison (BA 1771): 'Father of the Constitution' who graduated in two years, orchestrated the Bill of Rights, and became the 4th president—proving Princeton accelerated his path to founding the nation.
Michelle Obama (AB 1985): First Lady who went from Princeton's eating clubs to the White House, authoring bestsellers and advocating education—her senior thesis on Black alumni life is legendary.
Sonia Sotomayor (AB 1976): First Hispanic Supreme Court Justice, overcoming humble Bronx roots with Princeton grit to author key opinions on affirmative action.
Elena Kagan (AB 1981): Supreme Court Justice and former Harvard dean, known for her sharp wit in oral arguments—Princeton honed her debate skills early.

Others include Jeff Bezos in policy influence. View full politics list. See more at Princeton's Alumni Association.

Actors and Entertainment Figures

Princeton University celebrities light up Hollywood, blending Ivy intellect with star power in films and TV.

Jimmy Stewart (BA 1932): Iconic 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' star with five Oscar nods, flew bombers in WWII—his Princeton drawl charmed generations.
Brooke Shields (BA 1987): From child model in 'Pretty Baby' to Princeton poli-sci grad, she juggled Calvin Klein ads with theses on feminism.
David Duchovny (AB 1982): 'X-Files' Mulder, who wrote his Princeton thesis on 'Magic and Technology in Contemporary Fiction and Poetry'—alien hunting was destiny!
Wentworth Miller (BA 1995): 'Prison Break' escape artist, double-majoring in English lit—his spoon-bending smarts started at Princeton.
Jose Ferrer (BA 1933): First Hispanic Oscar winner for 'Cyrano de Bergerac,' voicing 'Robin Hood' cartoons too—versatile Tiger talent.

View full entertainment-figures list.

Billionaires and Business Titans

Notable alumni from Princeton University include self-made billionaires revolutionizing tech and finance.

Jeff Bezos (BSE 1986): Amazon founder with $200B+ fortune, started in his garage—Princeton's engineering sparked the e-commerce empire.
MacKenzie Scott (BA 1992): Philanthropist with $30B+, ex-Bezos, donating billions strategically—her Princeton fiction thesis? Prophetic.
Meg Whitman (AB 1977): eBay/HP CEO, turned auction site into giant, now ambassador—Princeton econ fueled her boardroom battles.
Henry Kravis (BA 1967): KKR co-founder, leveraged buyout king with $10B net worth—'Barbarians at the Gate' dramatized his RJR Nabisco coup.
Steve Forbes (BA 1970): Forbes CEO/publisher, twice presidential candidate—grew family mag into billionaire bible.

View full millionaires-and-billionaires list.

Princeton's network propels grads to higher-ed jobs and beyond. For Nobel winners like John Nash, see nobel-laureates.

🎓 Engaging Details from Princeton University Alumni

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.

⭐Inspirational Ratings for Princeton University Alumni Achievements

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.

Politics and Public Service: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭ (10/10)

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.

Business and Innovation (Millionaires & Billionaires): ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆ (9/10)

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.

Science and Nobel Laureates: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭ (10/10)

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.

Entertainment and Arts: ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭☆☆☆ (7/10)

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!

Add a Notable Alumni

Know a distinguished graduate of Princeton University? Add them to this listing below — include their name, role, field of study and what makes their career or contribution stand out.

Notable Professors at Princeton

Find Your Professor

Browse the list of professors at below. Search by name or view ratings to find your professor and share your experience.

1Allison Carruth

5.00

2Bonnie Bassler

5.00

3Miguel Centeno

5.00

4Angus Deaton

5.00

5Paul Krugman

5.00

6Kristina Olson

5.00

7Eddie Glaude

5.00

8Clifford Brangwynne

5.00

9Tera Hunter

5.00

10Margaret Martonosi

5.00

11Keith Wailoo

5.00

12Sanjeev Kulkarni

5.00

13Gary Bass

5.00

14Rebecca Burdine

5.00

15Roland Benabou

5.00

1 of 4

Notable Artists & Designers

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
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.
William Turnbull Jr.	Architect	Architecture	unknown	Partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, contributing to major corporate and institutional buildings.
James von Klemperer	Architect	Architecture

Frequently Asked Questions

🎓Who are some notable alumni from Princeton University?

Princeton University notable alumni include Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and a leading billionaire; Michelle Obama, former First Lady and author; Woodrow Wilson, 28th U.S. President and university president; John Forbes Nash Jr., mathematician portrayed in A Beautiful Mind; and Ellen DeGeneres, comedian and talk show host. These famous graduates of Princeton University span business, politics, entertainment, and science, inspiring current students to pursue ambitious careers. For job opportunities influenced by such networks, check higher ed jobs.

🏆What achievements have Princeton University alumni made?

Achievements of Princeton University alumni are monumental: Jeff Bezos built Amazon into a trillion-dollar empire; Michelle Obama championed education and health initiatives; Nobel winners affiliated with Princeton University, totaling 18, advanced fields like game theory (Nash) and quantum physics. Other notable alumni from Princeton University include innovators in tech, policy leaders, and cultural icons, driving global breakthroughs and impacts. Students can draw inspiration for their paths via Rate My Professor reviews.

Notable Business Leaders

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
Paul Singer	Founder of Elliott Management		1966	Activist investor managing one of the most successful hedge funds globally.
Scott Kupor	Managing Partner at Andreessen Horowitz	Politics	1993	Leads investments in tech startups, backing companies like Airbnb and Lyft.
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.
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.
Aneel Bhusri	Co-founder and CEO of Workday		1988	Built a leading cloud-based enterprise software company valued at tens of billions.
Marc Rowan	CEO of Apollo Global Management		1984	Co-founder of one of the largest private equity firms, innovating in alternative investments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
John C. Bogle	Founder of The Vanguard Group	Economics	1951	Pioneered index funds and low-cost investing, revolutionizing personal finance for millions.
David Tepper	Founder of Appaloosa Management	Economics	1978	Billionaire hedge fund manager known for bold investments during financial crises.
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.

Notable Educators & Academics

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Notable Entertainment Figures

Name	Job Title	Discipline	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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Notable Explorers & Discoverers

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
Pete Conrad	NASA Astronaut	Aeronautical Engineering	1953	Commanded the Apollo 12 mission, becoming the third person to walk on the Moon in 1969.
John W. Fabian	NASA Astronaut	Aeronautical Engineering	1955	Served as mission specialist on Space Shuttle missions STS-7 (1983) and STS-51-G (1985).
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.

Notable Legal Figures

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Notable Literary Figures

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
Tony Kushner	Playwright	Theater	1978	Pulitzer Prize winner for Angels in America, a landmark play on AIDS and politics.
Joyce Kilmer	Poet and Journalist	Journalism	1908	Beloved poet best known for 'Trees' and a prominent literary journalist who died in World War I.
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.
F. Scott Fitzgerald	Novelist	English	1917	Author of The Great Gatsby and other Jazz Age masterpieces, capturing the glamour and disillusionment of 1920s America.
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.
James Merrill	Poet	English	1947	Pulitzer Prize-winning poet celebrated for his epic work The Changing Light at Sandover.
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.

Notable Military Leaders

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
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.
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.
Merrill B. Twining	Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps		AB 1918	Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air and influential in Marine aviation development.
Charles A. Corcoran	Major General, U.S. Marine Corps		AB 1909	Led Marine regiments in World War I combat operations in France.
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.
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.
Robert L. Fair	Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy		AB 1951	Director of Antisubmarine Warfare and key naval strategist during the Cold War.
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.
William H. Ginn	Major General, U.S. Air Force		AB 1952	Commanded fighter wings and contributed to Air Force tactical operations.
Joe W. Mason	Lieutenant General, U.S. Air Force		AB 1944	Commander of key Air Force logistics commands supporting global operations.

Notable Millionaires & Billionaires

Name	Job Title	Discipline	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.
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.
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.
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.
David Duffield	Co-founder of Workday	Electrical Engineering	1962	Created enterprise software leaders PeopleSoft and Workday, focusing on human capital management solutions.
MacKenzie Scott	Philanthropist and Author	English	1992	Renowned for massive philanthropic donations supporting education, health, and racial equity initiatives.

Notable Nobel Laureates

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.

Notable Political Figures

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
Sonia Sotomayor	Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court		1976	First Latina and third woman on the Supreme Court, appointed in 2009.
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.
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.
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.
Dean Acheson	61st U.S. Secretary of State	Economics	1915	Architect of U.S. Cold War strategy, including the Marshall Plan and Truman Doctrine.
John Foster Dulles	52nd U.S. Secretary of State		1908	Influential anti-communist policymaker under President Eisenhower.
Bill Bradley	U.S. Senator from New Jersey	Politics	1965	Three-term senator, Rhodes Scholar, NBA Hall of Famer, and 2000 presidential candidate.
Bill Frist	U.S. Senate Majority Leader	Politics	1974	Led the Senate as Majority Leader and pioneered healthcare legislation as a transplant surgeon.
Cory Booker	U.S. Senator from New Jersey	Politics	1991	Former Newark mayor championing criminal justice reform and social equity.
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.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf	24th President of Liberia	Public Affairs	MPA 1971	Africa's first female elected president and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Ashraf Ghani	President of Afghanistan	Anthropology	PhD 1983	Served as president from 2014 amid efforts to stabilize the country.
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.
Mario Draghi	Prime Minister of Italy	Economics	PhD 1977	Steered Italy's COVID-19 recovery after leading the European Central Bank.

Notable STEM Alumni

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
Jeff Bezos	Engineer, Inventor	Electrical Engineering and Computer Science	1986	Founder of Amazon.com, holds numerous patents in e-commerce and cloud computing technologies.
David P. Billington	Structural Engineer	Civil Engineering	1950	Pioneered prestressed concrete bridge design and authored influential works on engineering history.
Stanley Corrsin	Aeronautical Engineer	Aeronautical Engineering	1944	Established foundational theories in turbulence research for aerospace applications.
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.
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.
Eric Betzig	Biophysicist	Molecular Biology	Ph.D. 1988	Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2014 for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy.
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.
Robert Hofstadter	Physicist	Physics	Ph.D. 1938	Nobel Prize in Physics 1961 for discoveries of the structure of nucleons using electron scattering.
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.

Notable Social Impact Figures

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
Peter Marshall	Chaplain of the United States Senate		1925	Beloved Presbyterian minister and U.S. Senate Chaplain whose sermons inspired national spiritual reflection during World War II.
David Rockefeller	Philanthropist and Banker	Economics	1936	Influential philanthropist who supported arts, education, and international relations through major foundations and global initiatives.
Laurance Rockefeller	Philanthropist and Conservationist		1932	Key figure in environmental philanthropy, funding national parks preservation and promoting sustainable development initiatives.
Cornel West	Philosopher and Activist	Religion	1973	Prominent scholar-activist advocating for racial justice, democracy, and progressive causes through books, lectures, and public engagement.
Wendy Kopp	Founder of Teach For America	Public and International Affairs	1989	Created Teach For America, a transformative nonprofit that recruits leaders to teach in low-income communities, expanding to Teach For All globally.
MacKenzie Scott	Philanthropist	English	1992	Renowned for her unprecedented philanthropy, having donated over $19 billion to nonprofits since 2019, focusing on equity and community support.

Notable Social Scientists

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
Kwang-chih Chang	Archaeologist	Anthropology	1959	Archaeologist of ancient China and Professor at Harvard University, revolutionized understanding of Shang dynasty urbanism and social structure.
Sean Wilentz	Historian	History	1972	Sidney and Ruth Lapidus Professor of History at Princeton University, acclaimed for works on American political history including Andrew Jackson.
Kevin M. Kruse	Historian	History	2000	Professor of History at Princeton University, known for books like 'One Nation Under God' on the interplay of politics, religion, and race in modern America.
Daniel T. Rodgers	Historian	History	1970	Professor Emeritus of History at Princeton University, influential scholar of transatlantic intellectual history and social thought.
Angela Duckworth	Psychologist	Psychology	1992	Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor at University of Pennsylvania, best-selling author of 'Grit' researching character strengths for success.
Jonathan Haidt	Social Psychologist	Psychology	1995	Professor at NYU Stern School of Business, author of 'The Righteous Mind' exploring moral psychology and cultural divides.
Patty Jo Watson	Archaeologist	Anthropology	1958	Edward Mallinckrodt Distinguished University Professor Emerita at Washington University, trailblazer in archaeobotany and Salt Cave excavations.
Gordon S. Wood	Historian	History	1955	Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'The Radicalism of the American Revolution' and Alva O. Way University Professor Emeritus at Brown University.

Notable Sports Figures

Name	Job Title	Discipline	Year	Description
Chris Clemons	Professional Basketball Player		2015	Ivy League Player of the Year who advanced to the NBA G League after Princeton.
John Cobb	Professional Basketball Player		1981	Played professionally overseas after leading Princeton basketball in scoring.
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.
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.
Myles Smith	Olympic Track and Field Athlete		1933	Captured silver medal in high jump at the 1932 Olympics representing the U.S.
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.
Chris Young	MLB Pitcher	Economics	2003	Pitched 13 seasons in Major League Baseball for teams including the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners.
Kit Mueller	WNBA Player		1990	First Princeton woman to play professional basketball, appearing in the WNBA with the Utah Starzz.
John Hummer	NBA Player		1969	Played professionally for the Seattle SuperSonics and Buffalo Braves after starring for Princeton basketball.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Notable Alumni: Famous People from Princeton University

Princeton University AKA Princeton

Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA