James Madison and Woodrow Wilson are the two U.S. presidents who graduated from Princeton University.
Presidents Who Graduated from Princeton University
Princeton University, a distinguished institution, proudly counts two U.S. presidents among its alumni who completed their undergraduate degrees there. These individuals significantly shaped American history, bringing their Princeton education to the highest office in the land.
| President | Princeton Graduation Year | Presidency Term | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison | 1771 | 1809–1817 | Often celebrated as the "Father of the Constitution" and a key architect of the Bill of Rights, Madison completed his studies at the College of New Jersey (which later became Princeton University) in a remarkably short two years. He also pursued additional post-graduate work. |
| Woodrow Wilson | 1879 | 1913–1921 | The 28th U.S. President, Wilson had a profound connection to Princeton, serving as a professor and then as the university's president from 1902 to 1910 before entering national politics. His academic background heavily influenced his progressive policies. |
Beyond these two graduates, other notable individuals with strong ties to Princeton have pursued the presidency. For example, Adlai Stevenson, a Princeton alumnus, was a prominent Democratic politician who twice ran for president but was unsuccessful against Dwight D. Eisenhower. Similarly, Bill Bradley, a celebrated former professional basketball player and U.S. Senator, also a Princeton graduate, made a bid for the presidency. These examples underscore Princeton's enduring legacy in American political leadership.
For more information about the institution's rich history, you can visit Princeton University.
