President Joe Biden’s advocacy for student loan forgiveness has sparked considerable debate, yet it’s a policy deeply rooted in his personal experiences and his family’s challenges in financing his higher education during the 1960s. His educational path is noteworthy, particularly as he is the first president since Ronald Reagan to have graduated from a state university for his undergraduate degree, rather than an Ivy League institution.
U.S. President Joe Biden delivering a commencement speech at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, in May 2024. Biden, who attended the University of Delaware and Syracuse University, emphasizes the importance of college education and student loan relief.
Joe Biden’s college education is a story of ambition nurtured within the public university system. For his undergraduate studies, Joe Biden went to college at the University of Delaware, opting for a state school experience that resonated with his middle-class background. He pursued a double major in history and political science at the University of Delaware, laying the groundwork for his future political career. Later, for his law degree, Biden attended Syracuse University College of Law in New York, further solidifying his academic credentials.
President Biden’s choice to attend a state university for his bachelor’s degree is a distinguishing factor in modern presidential history. Unlike many of his predecessors who boast Ivy League alma maters, Biden’s educational journey reflects a different segment of the American experience. His emphasis on making college more affordable and accessible aligns with his own background as a first-generation college student who understands the financial strains higher education can impose on families.
Throughout his presidency, Joe Biden has consistently championed the cause of higher education. He has introduced various proposals aimed at reducing the financial burden of college, including initiatives for free community college and significant student loan forgiveness programs. These policies are not just political platforms but seem to stem from a personal understanding of the value and cost of education, harking back to his own experiences and his father’s aspirations for him.
Biden’s connection to his alma mater, the University of Delaware, remains strong. During his time as a student from 1961 to 1965, he wasn’t just focused on academics. He was actively involved in campus life, demonstrating leadership qualities early on. He was elected as the freshman class president, showcasing his ability to connect with and lead his peers. His athletic pursuits also played a role in his early college years; he played defensive back for the University of Delaware’s freshman football team, known as the “Blue Chicks.” While his initial academic performance led him to prioritize his studies over varsity sports, his ambition and drive were evident.
Even in his undergraduate years, Where Did Joe Biden Go To College was already a question with a forward-looking answer. He harbored aspirations for law school and a career in politics. This ambition led him to Syracuse University after graduating from the University of Delaware. It was during his junior year spring break that he met Neilia Hunter, a Syracuse University student who later became his first wife, adding a personal dimension to his connection with Syracuse.
Following law school, Joe Biden embarked on his political journey in Delaware. His election to the New Castle County Council in 1970 marked the beginning of his public service career. Just two years later, at the young age of 30, he achieved a significant milestone by being elected to the U.S. Senate. This rapid ascent in politics underscores the foundation laid by his education and his inherent political acumen.
Beyond his formal degrees, Joe Biden went to college and has also been recognized with numerous honorary degrees. A notable instance is his honorary doctorate from Morehouse College, a distinguished historically Black college. In May 2024, he delivered the commencement speech at Morehouse, addressing critical issues such as threats to democracy, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and, fittingly, student debt relief. His presence at Morehouse, despite some student protests regarding his policies, highlighted his ongoing engagement with the higher education community and his willingness to address diverse perspectives. Morehouse College acknowledged Biden’s visit and his announcement of a substantial $16 billion investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), alongside his call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
In total, President Biden has received 15 honorary degrees from various colleges and universities across the United States since 1976. These accolades, coupled with his degrees from the University of Delaware and Syracuse University, illustrate a lifelong connection to academia and a career trajectory significantly shaped by his educational experiences. From his state school beginnings to his law degree and beyond, Joe Biden’s college path is an integral part of his narrative and policy focus, particularly in the realm of higher education accessibility and affordability.
