J. Cole, whose real name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole, has quite some remarkable achievements. He was the first rapper to get signed to Jay-Z’s label, Roc Nation. He is one smart cookie, as he balanced studying at St. John’s University, where he was both on an academic scholarship, and chasing his musical aspirations.
Cole was rapping on the side and writing full-time. His good sense of time management earned him a degree in communications, minoring in business, and he graduated as summa cum laude in 2007. But he didn’t get his diploma until 2015 because of a library book he never returned. The missing book’s fee was eventually waived.
Carrie Underwood Has a Degree in Mass Communications
We all know her as the sweet country girl who rose to fame when she won American Idol in 2005, but it seems like her brilliance doesn’t just shine on stage. Underwood earned a bachelor of arts degree in mass communications at Northeastern State University with an emphasis in journalism. She graduated as magna cum laude and had to fly back to Oklahoma to attend her graduation ceremony, even though she had just started her first tour.
Underwood has mentioned before that if she didn’t win American Idol, she would have become a reporter or a news anchor. But destiny had other plans. She is now one of the best-selling female country singers.
Aziz Ansari Has a Bachelor's in Marketing
People first knew the Indian-American actor for his role as Tom Haverford on the series, Parks and Recreation. But this funny man had his beginnings in New York City, where he started doing stand-ups while studying at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He earned a degree in marketing. However, he loved stand-up too much, kept doing it, and has never looked back since.
When Parks and Recreation ended, Ansari created the series, Master of None, and has snagged Emmy and Golden Globe wins for it. He was the first Asian-American performer to win a Golden Globe for acting.
Natalie Portman Has a Bachelor's in Psychology
Natalie Portman is a Hollywood icon and has been acting professionally since she was a kid. The Israeli beauty described herself as ambitious and hard working. It didn’t come as a surprise when she graduated with a degree in psychology from Harvard University while at the same time continuing her acting career. She was Alan Dershowitz’s research assistant. Dershowitz is a prominent figure in United States constitutional and criminal law.
Portman also attended the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and took graduate courses. Portman is not only an accomplished and award-winning actress; she has also been published in multiple scientific journals and is an ambassador of FINCA International, an organization that seeks to end poverty.
Ben McKenzie Has a Bachelor's in Economics and Foreign Affairs
Ben McKenzie became a household name when he played the role of Ryan Atwood in the television series, The O.C. He earned a few nominations and awards for the series before landing his debut film appearance in Junebug. He then appeared on television shows, Southland and Gotham. Prior to fame, McKenzie was a student at the University of Virginia and graduated with a degree in foreign affairs and economics.
He told his school’s alumni magazine that it was a blessing to be able to study while performing onstage at night. McKenzie considered it an opportunity to have a “well-rounded” education.