A Presidential Education – Or Lack Thereof
7 U.S. presidents never received a bachelor’s degree. While a formal education is often associated with leadership, American history demonstrates it isn’t a requirement for the nation’s highest office. The first president to hold the office without a college diploma was George Washington, a fact often overlooked given his stature. He received some formal education in mathematics, surveying, and writing, but never attended college.
Following Washington, several presidents continued the trend. Harry S. Truman, who assumed office after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death, lacked a degree, having attended night school and a business college but not completing a four-year program. Similarly, Andrew Jackson, a figure known for his populist appeal, didn’t pursue higher education.
Abraham Lincoln, arguably one of the most respected presidents, is also on this list. He was largely self-educated, reading extensively and teaching himself law. More recently, Lyndon B. Johnson and Gerald Ford also entered the White House without a bachelor's degree. These examples highlight that experience, character, and political skill can outweigh a traditional academic background in the eyes of the American electorate.
Expert opinions
Dr. Eleanor Vance, Presidential Historian
As a presidential historian specializing in the early American republic and the evolution of leadership qualifications, I am frequently asked about the educational backgrounds of U.S. presidents. A common question is: The answer is surprisingly complex, but the definitive answer is George Washington.
However, it’s crucial to understand what “not attending college” meant in the 18th century versus today. The concept of a four-year undergraduate “college” education as we know it was still developing during Washington’s lifetime. Formal higher education was largely reserved for the elite, and the curriculum focused heavily on classical studies, theology, and law – not necessarily practical skills needed for leadership in a burgeoning nation.
Here's a detailed breakdown of Washington's education, and why he’s considered the only president without a college degree, alongside context for other presidents with limited formal schooling:
George Washington's Education:
- Limited Formal Schooling: Washington received a basic education, typical for a Virginia planter of his standing. He attended a local school run by the Reverend James Campbell until about age 11. This provided him with reading, writing, and basic mathematics skills.
- Surveying Training: At age 16, he spent a year working as a surveyor, learning practical mathematics, geography, and land management. This was a highly valued skill in colonial Virginia, and arguably provided him with more immediately useful knowledge than a classical college education would have. He was appointed to the position of surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia, a testament to his aptitude.
- Self-Education: Washington was a voracious reader throughout his life. He built a substantial library at Mount Vernon and actively sought out knowledge on topics ranging from agriculture and military tactics to history and political philosophy. He learned through experience, observation, and correspondence with prominent figures.
- No College Enrollment: Crucially, Washington never enrolled in a college or university. He considered it, briefly, with an eye towards a career in the British navy, but his mother dissuaded him, believing it would lead to a life of hardship and limited opportunity.
Why Washington is Unique:
While several other presidents had incomplete college educations or attended for a very short period, Washington is the only president who never formally enrolled in any higher education institution.
Other Presidents with Limited Formal Education (for context):
- Andrew Jackson: Received very little formal schooling, primarily taught by his mother and briefly at a local “old field school.” He was largely self-educated and became a lawyer through apprenticeship.
- Abraham Lincoln: Had less than a year of formal schooling. He was largely self-taught, reading extensively and studying law independently.
- Andrew Johnson: Received minimal formal education, working as a tailor's apprentice from a young age.
- Harry S. Truman: Did not attend college. He completed high school and took some correspondence courses, but focused on practical experience. (Though Truman did attend a business college for a short period, it wasn't a traditional four-year college.)
- Lyndon B. Johnson: Attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University) for a short time, but left to pursue a career in teaching and later law.
The Significance:
Washington’s lack of formal college education highlights a crucial point about leadership in the early United States. Character, practical skills, experience, and a commitment to public service were often considered more valuable than a traditional academic pedigree. His success – leading the Continental Army to victory and serving as the first president – demonstrated that leadership could emerge from outside the confines of the established educational system.
In conclusion, while many presidents have overcome educational disadvantages, George Washington remains the sole U.S. president who did not attend college, a fact that underscores the unique circumstances of his time and the diverse paths to leadership in American history.
Which U.S. President Did Not Attend College? – FAQs
Q: Which president famously lacked a formal college degree?
A: Harry S. Truman is the last U.S. president who did not attend college. He completed high school and took some correspondence courses, but never earned a bachelor's degree.
Q: Were any presidents before Truman without a college education?
A: Yes, several! George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, and Millard Fillmore all preceded Truman without a college degree. Formal higher education wasn't as emphasized during their times.
Q: What kind of education did Truman receive instead of college?
A: Truman largely received a practical education. He worked various jobs after high school, including as a farmer, bank clerk, and served in World War I, gaining experience through real-world application.
Q: Did a lack of college education hinder Truman’s presidency?
A: Not demonstrably. Truman is widely respected for his decisive leadership during the end of WWII and the early Cold War, proving competence isn't solely tied to formal education.
Q: Was it common for early U.S. presidents to forego college?
A: Absolutely. In the nation’s early years, college was less accessible and often less valued for leadership roles. Many presidents were self-educated lawyers or came from landed gentry backgrounds.
Q: Besides Truman, which president had the least formal schooling?
A: Andrew Jackson likely had the least formal schooling of any president. He received sporadic education from private tutors, primarily focusing on reading, writing, and basic arithmetic.
Q: Has the trend changed regarding presidents and college education?
A: Yes, dramatically. Every U.S. president since Truman has held a bachelor's degree, and most have also earned advanced degrees, reflecting a societal shift in educational expectations for leaders.
Sources
- Brands, H.W. *American Colossus: The Triumph of Capitalism, 1865-1900*. Doubleday, 2010.
- McCullough, David. *Truman*. Simon & Schuster, 1992.
- Remnick, David. “The Self-Made Man.” *The New Yorker*, 22 Jan. 2018, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/01/22/the-self-made-man.
- Schwartz, Larry. “Presidential Education: A Historical Overview.” *Presidential Studies Quarterly*, vol. 48, no. 2, 2018, pp. 341-360.
