Do Child Actors Go to College?
Exploring the academic paths of young stars in Hollywood
(By Jim Webb)
Balancing Stardom and School
The world of child acting is filled with early fame, red carpets, and demanding schedules. But what happens when the spotlight dims? Do child actors consider higher education as part of their future, or does Hollywood take precedence over a traditional college experience?
Many child actors choose to prioritize their careers during their formative years, which can make the idea of attending college seem secondary. However, several well-known child stars have made the conscious decision to pursue a college degree, proving that academic and entertainment goals can coexist.
Mara Wilson, famous for her roles in Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, is a prime example. After stepping away from the big screen, she chose to attend New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. “College gave me time to grow away from the industry and figure out who I really was,” she said in an interview with Bustle.
Famous Faces Who Pursued Higher Education
While some stars leave Hollywood behind for good, others manage to juggle both a successful career and a college education.
Natalie Portman, who starred in Léon: The Professional at the age of 12, attended Harvard University and graduated with a degree in psychology. She famously said, “I don’t care if college ruins my career. I’d rather be smart than a movie star.”
Emma Watson, known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, also made headlines when she enrolled at Brown University. Watson balanced film shoots with essays and exams, proving that dedication to both education and acting is possible. “I was like, I’m going to go to university. I’m going to do it properly and finish,” she told The Guardian.
Another example is Jodie Foster, who had a thriving acting career as a child and teen before attending Yale University. Foster described her college experience as “the most grounding and intellectually satisfying time of my life.”
The Homeschooling Trend
For many child actors, traditional schooling isn’t feasible due to the irregular hours and travel required by film and television shoots. As a result, homeschooling or private tutors often become the norm. While this allows flexibility, it also raises concerns about social development and preparation for college.
The late Cameron Boyce, who starred in Disney’s Descendants, was homeschooled but always spoke about wanting to continue his education. His parents ensured he had a structured curriculum and remained engaged in extracurricular activities.
Homeschooling can be a stepping stone to college if managed properly. Some programs are specifically tailored to prepare young performers for standardized tests and college admissions. Former Disney star Christy Carlson Romano, who voiced Kim Possible, was homeschooled during her time on set but later attended Barnard College.
When College Can Wait
For some young stars, college is simply postponed until later in life. The transition from child actor to adult roles can be time-consuming, leaving little room for academic pursuits.
Macaulay Culkin, best known for Home Alone, took a long break from the spotlight and opted not to attend college immediately. He has spoken openly about the pressure of fame and needing time to rediscover himself.
Similarly, Lindsay Lohan expressed interest in higher education but found herself caught in the chaos of a fast-moving career and personal struggles. However, she’s since turned her attention to other ventures and hinted at returning to school in later years.
Actors Who Never Considered College
Not every child actor chooses to pursue education beyond high school. In some cases, their career trajectory or lack of academic interest makes college unnecessary in their eyes.
Drew Barrymore, who became a household name at age 7 after starring in E.T., never went to college. She built an empire with her own production company, beauty brand, and daytime talk show. “I don’t have a degree, but I’ve never stopped learning,” she said in a 2021 interview.
The Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, did briefly attend NYU but eventually left to focus on their fashion business. Their early success allowed them to explore entrepreneurship without needing a formal degree.
The Role of Parents and Guardians
Behind every young actor is usually a parent or guardian making critical decisions. These adults often play a pivotal role in determining whether college remains on the table.
Actress Mayim Bialik, who began her career as a child star in Blossom, credits her parents for insisting on education. She later earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience. “I had parents who valued school and made sure it was a priority,” she explained in a YouTube video.
For others, a lack of strong parental guidance can lead to burnout or poor planning. Some child actors fall victim to financial mismanagement or early retirement without a clear path forward.
The College Experience for Former Child Stars
Going to college can be a challenging but refreshing experience for former child stars. They may struggle with anonymity after years in the public eye, or they may relish the opportunity to be treated like a “normal” student.
Actress Keke Palmer, who began performing at age nine, took online courses while continuing her acting career. She emphasized the importance of education in an interview with Teen Vogue: “Just because you’re in entertainment doesn’t mean school isn’t important.”
Some celebrities attend college under pseudonyms to avoid attention. Others, like Dylan and Cole Sprouse from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, embraced the experience publicly. Both brothers attended NYU—Dylan studied video game design while Cole majored in archaeology.
Colleges That Cater to Young Entertainers
Some universities are more accustomed to enrolling students from the entertainment world. NYU, UCLA, and USC have strong programs in performing arts, film, and digital media. These schools often attract young stars seeking to sharpen their craft while earning a degree.
USC’s School of Cinematic Arts has welcomed many working actors, including Olivia Jade Giannulli (daughter of actress Lori Loughlin), though not without controversy. These institutions often offer flexible scheduling and online course options to accommodate students with busy careers.
Online education platforms have also become a viable alternative. Schools like Arizona State University and Southern New Hampshire University provide programs that fit into a star’s hectic lifestyle.
Is College Necessary for Child Stars?
The decision to attend college ultimately depends on the individual. For some, it provides a much-needed break from the pressures of fame. For others, their careers flourish without it.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all answer,” says Dr. Lisa Damour, a psychologist who works with adolescents. “The key is to support young actors in making informed choices—whether that means attending college right away, taking a gap year, or exploring education later in life.”
Still, the importance of a backup plan cannot be overstated. The entertainment industry is unpredictable, and not all child actors make a smooth transition into adult roles. A degree can offer stability and open doors in other fields.
Conclusion: A Path as Unique as the Performer
Do child actors go to college? The answer is as varied as the stars themselves. Some embrace higher education with enthusiasm, while others find success without stepping foot in a classroom.
The journey from child actor to college graduate may not be conventional, but it is certainly possible—and increasingly common. With the right support system and personal drive, even the busiest young performers can find time to hit the books.
As Jodie Foster once said, “Education is not just about going to school and getting a degree. It’s about widening your knowledge and absorbing the truth about life.” Whether on screen or on campus, the learning never stops.
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