40 Celebrities You Never Knew Attended Ivy League Colleges

Celebrities might be known for the paths they took in Hollywood, whether it be music or film. But many actually attended school before making their big break, and some took it upon themselves to receive the best education (if you believe that) the country has to offer—the Ivy League colleges, ranging from Harvard to Columbia. Take a look at the those who pursued an education at the Elite 8 before, during and after they became household names.

In 1999, the "All of Me" singer graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor's in English with an emphasis on African-American literature.

The Blue Lagoon actress graduated from Princeton University in 1987, where she was a member of the Princeton Triangle Club.

Krasinski graduated from Brown University in 2001 with a degree in English, four years before he starred in The Office.

The Harry Potter actress graduated from Brown University in 2014, where she received a degree in English literature.

The SNL writer and "Weekend Update" anchor graduated from Harvard University in 2004, where he was the president of the Harvard Lampoon.

Attending Harvard at the same time as Colin Jost, Portman _graduated from the university in 2003 with a degree in Psychology.

The late night host graduated from Harvard University magna cum laude in 1985, where he concentrated in History and Literature.

The Silence of the Lambs actress graduated from Yale University magna cum laude in 1985, where she wrote her thesis on Toni Morrison with the assistance of Henry Louis Gates Jr.

In 1981, the news anchor graduate from Yale University, where he majored in Political Science.

Ross attended Brown University, where she graduated with a degree in Theater in 1994.

The Good Will Hunting actor attended Harvard University, but left just before finishing his degree to star in Geronimo: An American Legend.

The actress moved to New York in 1995 to attend Columbia University, where she went on to study Literature and Eastern religions. She graduted in 1999.

When his sister was a senior at Columbia University, Gyllenhaal entered the college as a freshman. He eventually dropped out two years later to pursue acting full-time.

In 1991, Rhimes graduated from Dartmouth College, where she studied English and film studies.

In 1977, Nye graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.

The actress and producer graduated from Harvard University in 1997, where she belonged to various clubs on campus, including the Hasty Pudding Theatricals.

The X-Files actor graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University in 1982 and then went on to pursue a master's degree from Yale University.

Majoring in Italian Renaissance Studies, Bowen graduated from Brown University, where she performed in various plays and starred in the indie film Five Spot Jewel.

In 2010, while also receiving degrees simultaneously from NYU Tisch and Brooklyn College, Franco pursued and graduated with a master's degree from Columbia University.

In the 1980s, the How Stella Got Her Groove Back star received both her Bachelors and master's degrees from Yale University.

Although he took a break from acting to attend Columbia University, Gordon-Levitt eventually left in 2004 to go back to working in Hollywood.

The actress graduated from Harvard University magna cum laude in 1989, with a degree in East Asian Studies. She also studied in Beijing, China during her years at the university.

Years before he starred in Fight Club, Norton graduated from Yale College with a Bachelor's in History.

After graduating from Hampshire College, the actress pursued a master's degree from the Yale University School of Drama.

While attending Columbia University, the Truman Show star competed on the school's football team.

The Office star graduated from Princeton University in 2002, where she wrote her 82-page senior thesis titled "Isn't It Ironic?".

The actor, writer and producer attended Harvard University after high school, where he graduated in 2001.

Before she became known as an actress and screenwriter, Kaling graduated in 2001 from Dartmouth College with a degree in Playwriting.

Although Affleck attended Columbia University for two years, he eventually left to pursue career opportunities.

The Dirty John actress graduated from Dartmouth College in 1989, where she studied Asian studies with a concentration in Chinese. She also studied in Beijing with now-U.S. senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

The Defiance actor pursued his master's degree at the Yale University School of Drama, where he graduated in 1992.

In 2005, Stiles graduated from Columbia University, where she studied English literature.

After graduating from the University of Michigan, Grier went on to receive a master's degree from the Yale School of Drama in 1981.

In 1996, Banks graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996, where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

A member of the Princeton Tigertones and the Quadrangle Club, Miller graduated from Princeton University in 1995 with a degree in English.

In 2010, the actress went to Harvard University and received a master's degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

In 1988, Cain graduated from Princeton University, where he was on the football team and dated fellow star Brooke Shields.

Tyler graduated from Dartmouth College in 1992, where she co-founded the Dartmouth Rockapellas, an all-female a capella group that focused on singing about social awareness.

After graduating from Emerson College, Winkler went on to attend the Yale School of Drama, where he received a master's degree in 1970.

Graduating from Columbia University in 2004, Slate helped form the improv group Fruit Paunch.