
While some people head to college to explore their passions or party for four years, others walk in planning to build their fortunes. Plus, a handful of universities seem to have perfected the art of nurturing billionaires. Let’s take a look at 15 institutions that have proven they know how to turn students into money-making machines.
Harvard University

What’s Harvard’s secret sauce? Maybe it’s the historic libraries, the old-money vibes, or the fact that some of its students already have trust funds. Harvard has produced more billionaires than any other university. One example is Bill Gates. Even though he didn’t bother finishing his degree, he went straight to the billions.
Stanford University

This university sits just a stone’s throw away from Silicon Valley, practically radiating tech vibes. The students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, met while working on their PhDs at Stanford and casually, leading to the creation of Google. Stanford effectively served as their personal incubator, fostering an environment ripe for groundbreaking ideas and startups.
University of Pennsylvania

There’s something about Penn’s Wharton School of Business that screams “future billionaire.” Here, one thing is certain: students graduate with more than just a degree. Take Elon Musk. He spent time at Penn before launching his string of companies that turned industries on their heads.
MIT

When people think of MIT, they imagine tech geniuses inventing robots or algorithms no one can understand. But MIT isn’t just for science geeks; it’s for those who want to turn their intellect into big bucks. For example, the Koch brothers used their MIT connections to turn energy into billions.
Yale University

This one on the list consistently pumps out hedge fund managers and investment moguls who shape global markets. The Bass brothers, famous for their financial acumen, passed through Yale before multiplying their wealth in the oil and real estate sectors. Think Gothic spires, then add some serious cash flow.
Princeton University

Bezos may have disrupted the retail world, but before Amazon, there was Princeton. Known for its academic rigor and ivy-clad charm, Princeton has created more than just one tech mogul. While Princeton doesn’t get as much press for its billionaire count, it quietly sends out graduates ready to make waves in finance, tech, and media.
Columbia University

Being based in Manhattan means Columbia students breathe in the energy of Wall Street and the media world every day. It’s no wonder many of them go on to build fortunes in finance and entertainment. Columbia is the stomping ground for students aiming to buy their first skyscraper, not just rent a studio apartment.
University of Southern California

Don’t let the USC glitz fool you—it’s more than just a pipeline to Tinseltown. Sure, George Lucas went there, but so did a whole crop of entrepreneurs who chose business and real estate over blockbusters. USC alumni have proven they can play the long game, crafting fortunes that span industries.
Cornell University

Located in the hills of upstate New York, Cornell might seem more laid-back than its Ivy League cousins. It produces hard-working billionaires, especially in the fields of hospitality and real estate. Take a long walk around Cornell’s picturesque campus, and you’ll see future moguls deep in conversation—probably discussing their next big deal.
University of Chicago

Chicago’s reputation as a tough, no-nonsense school might scare off the faint-hearted. Known for its rigorous economics program, the university has produced 29 billionaires as of 2024, positioning it among the top universities for billionaire alumni. Hedge fund managers and investors flock here, knowing the Chicago business approach can generate immense wealth.
Duke University

Duke’s alumni are just as good at making deals as they are at sinking three-pointers. Graduates don’t just sit courtside; they go on to dominate industries like healthcare and finance. The school fosters a competitive environment that seems to carry over into the business world, where Duke alums play to win—and often do.
University of Michigan

The alumni board of Michigan is no slouches when it comes to building billion-dollar businesses. The school produces entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who carry the Midwestern work ethic all the way to the bank. Stephen Ross, a real estate mogul who redefined skylines, spent time in Michigan before building his empire.
Northwestern University

Media heavyweights, corporate titans, and industry disruptors often credit their time at Northwestern as key to their success. Northwestern grads embrace risk-taking, reshaping the media industry, with Sumner Redstone as a prominent example. Though the university ranks eighth in total billionaires produced, it remains a force among its peers.
University of Texas

Longhorns shout, “Hook ’em!” because they often achieve great fortunes, exemplified by Michael Dell, who launched his company from his dorm room and built a global tech empire. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in Texas, where students aim to leave their mark on the world, and their bank accounts reflect that ambition.
Dartmouth College

The close-knit campus of Dartmouth fosters deep connections that often turn into profitable partnerships down the road. For example, Leon Black founded Apollo Global Management after starting his journey in these cold New Hampshire classrooms. If there’s one thing Dartmouth does well, it’s preparing its students to make their fortune quietly.