Ten Famous People Who Went to Harvard: U.S. Presidents and Billionaires Featured

February 22, 2025 | 10:53 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Established in 1636, Harvard has long been an establishment home to some of the most influential people in history. From U.S. presidents to tech moguls, artists, activists, and countless other famous people who went to Harvard, this prestigious institution has embedded its legacy into the very fabric of global history across diverse sectors. 

List of the Famous People Who Went to Harvard

Amber Student and EduRank list John F Kennedy and Barack Obama among the famous people who attended Harvard. Other notable individuals who once walked the hallowed halls of this university include:

1. John F. Kennedy

The 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy is one of the famous people who attended Harvard and went on to have a flourishing career in politics. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in international relations, JFK's journey from journalism to politics began when he became a congressman in 1946. In 1961, he made history as the youngest person ever elected President of the United States.

2. Barack Obama

Another former U.S. leader, Barack Obama graduated from Harvard in 1991 with a Juris Doctor degree in law. As the 44th President of the United States, he became the first African-American President in the country's history, marking a landmark moment for racial equality in the United States. Though he left the White House in 2012, his influence continues as he remains an active voice in democratic politics.

3. Bill Gates

Bill Gates, the mastermind behind the success of Microsoft, attended Harvard University in the early 1970s. Although he dropped out to build his tech empire, his time at Harvard sparked the beginning of the digital revolution. He took math and computer science classes at the graduate level, laying the groundwork for what would become Microsoft. 

Beyond his tech success, Gates also extends his global impact through the creation of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest foundations.

4. Natalie Portman

A Harvard graduate with a degree in psychology, Natalie Portman is a Hollywood star who has impressed both on screen and in academia. After starring in Star Wars and winning an Oscar for Black Swan, the Israeli-American actress' intellectual prowess shone through as she completed her degree at Harvard, balancing her studies with her thriving Hollywood career.

5. Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of the most meritorious alumni of Harvard University. As a beloved U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she was widely praised for her fierce fight for gender equality and women’s rights. Although she didn’t graduate from Harvard, her time there was historic—she was one of only nine women in a class of hundreds of men.

6. Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg, the visionary behind Facebook and Meta, is one of the famous people who went to Harvard but dropped out to pursue his entrepreneurial dream. Majoring in psychology and computer science, his revolutionary discovery of Facebook was the work of him and his fellow Harvard roommates in 2004. Today, he is one of the richest people in the world, with a net worth in the billions. 

7. Matt Damon

Known for his roles in The Bourne Identity, The Martian, and Good Will Hunting, Matt Damon was once an English major at Harvard University in 1988. Although he dropped out to pursue his acting career, Damon’s connection to academia remained strong. In fact, he wrote the screenplay for Good Will Hunting as part of a university assignment.

8. T. S. Eliot

The legend of 20th-century literature, T.S. Eliot was a transformative figure who reformed modern poetry with his distinctive blend of symbolism and complexity. His years at Harvard, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1909, were crucial in forming the intellectual foundations that influenced his groundbreaking poetry, including The Waste Land.

9. George Bush

George H.W. Bush attended Harvard Business School, where he earned an MBA in 1975, becoming the first U.S. president to hold this advanced degree. Before making history as the 43rd President of the United States, Bush served as the 46th Governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000, shaping both state and national policy during his time in office.

10. Ratan Tata

A titan of industry, Ratan Tata is an Indian business magnate who graduated from Harvard Business School with a degree in advanced management. Tata heads the Tata Group, one of India's largest and most respected conglomerates, and has become an influential leader in global business. His Harvard education not only helped him shape the future of his company but also his unwavering commitment to philanthropy.

These famous alumni are just a few examples of the many successful people who have come through Harvard's doors. The University has played a significant role in shaping not only U.S. history but also the global landscape. 

Editor's Choice: A Guide to Getting Into Harvard Law School

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