Historically, not all U.S. presidents attended college. In fact, nine presidents achieved the nation's highest office without holding a college degree.
Presidents Without a College Degree
The nine presidents who did not attend college are:
| President | Term (Years) | Key Educational/Career Path |
|---|---|---|
| George Washington | 1789-1797 | Largely self-taught, developed skills in surveying, and gained extensive military and leadership experience. |
| Andrew Jackson | 1829-1837 | Studied law independently, becoming a lawyer and a renowned military general before entering politics. |
| Martin Van Buren | 1837-1841 | Began his legal career through an apprenticeship, "reading law" under experienced attorneys rather than attending university. |
| Zachary Taylor | 1849-1850 | Primarily a career military officer, serving for nearly 40 years before his presidency, with no formal higher education. |
| Millard Fillmore | 1850-1853 | Largely self-educated, he worked as a cloth dresser and schoolteacher before studying law through an apprenticeship. |
| Abraham Lincoln | 1861-1865 | Famously self-educated, he read extensively and studied law independently to become a lawyer. |
| Andrew Johnson | 1865-1869 | Learned to read and write from his wife, becoming a tailor by trade and largely self-educated through his life. |
| Grover Cleveland | 1885-1889, 1893-1897 | Began working at a young age and later apprenticed at a law firm to become a lawyer without attending college. |
| Harry Truman | 1945-1953 | Briefly attended a business college and was largely self-educated, drawing on his experiences in business and military service. |
Historical Context and Pathways to Leadership
For many of these early American presidents, formal higher education, as it is understood today, was not a common or universally accessible pathway to success. Their routes to leadership often involved:
- Self-Education: Many, like Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, overcame humble beginnings by dedicating themselves to extensive reading and independent study. This self-driven pursuit of knowledge equipped them with critical thinking skills and broad understanding.
- Apprenticeships: Before the widespread establishment of law schools, it was common for aspiring lawyers such as Martin Van Buren, Millard Fillmore, and Grover Cleveland to "read law" under the guidance of established attorneys. This practical, hands-on training provided a direct route into the legal profession and public service.
- Military Service: Figures like George Washington and Zachary Taylor built their careers and reputations through military service. Their leadership, strategic acumen, and public recognition gained on the battlefield often served as a launchpad into the political arena.
- Practical Experience: Harry Truman, for instance, gained valuable experience through various practical roles, including farming and business, which shaped his understanding of public needs and administration.
These diverse backgrounds illustrate that personal drive, practical experience, and a commitment to public service have historically been, and continue to be, defining factors in the journey to presidential leadership, alongside or in lieu of formal academic credentials.
