Top New York University Famous Alumni Who Made Their Mark Globally

Introduction

New York University (NYU) has a strong history of success, with many well-known graduates. This list of New York University famous alumni shows how NYU students go on to achieve big things in many fields.

New York University (NYU) | Overview

Founded in 1831, New York University has long been at the forefront of higher education, known for its urban identity, professional approach, and commitment to serving a growing middle class. With a global outlook, NYU operates 20 schools and colleges and maintains campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai, offering students unique international study opportunities. Recognized as one of the world’s leading research institutions, NYU consistently ranks high for its academic programs and attracts a competitive applicant pool with a low undergraduate acceptance rate. 

Over 500,000 alumni from the U.S. and 183 countries have graduated from NYU. These distinguished graduates have gone on to make significant contributions in fields such as government, business, science, media, the arts, and space exploration. NYU’s notable alumni include world leaders, Fortune 500 CEOs, inventors, public figures, and Nobel Prize winners.

New York University Famous Alumni

New York University (NYU) is renowned for its academic excellence and for nurturing a remarkable number of accomplished individuals. The New York University famous alumni list includes leaders in business, politics, entertainment, and philanthropy—some of the most influential personalities who once studied at NYU.

Ursula Burns – Trailblazing CEO of Xerox

Studied at: NYU Tandon School of Engineering (formerly Polytechnic Institute of NYU)
Field: Engineering & Business Leadership

Ursula Burns made history as the first African American woman to lead a Fortune 500 company—Xerox. Growing up in public housing in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, she pursued mechanical engineering and interned at Xerox during her master’s at Columbia University. Her rise to CEO reflects her remarkable determination and leadership.

Also Read: New York University’s ranking | What do they mean for students?

Chris Columbus – Director of Harry Potter & Home Alone

Attended: NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Field: Film & Directing

Chris Columbus studied film at NYU Tisch before launching a legendary Hollywood career. He directed classics like Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire, and the first two Harry Potter films. He started by writing for Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment and quickly became one of the industry’s most beloved directors.

Alec Baldwin – Award-Winning Actor & Comedian

Graduated from: NYU Tisch School of the Arts (1993)
Field: Film & Television

Alec Baldwin earned global fame through his roles in 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live. He’s won two Emmys, three Golden Globes, and seven SAG Awards. Known for his versatile acting and political impersonations, he’s a standout NYU Tisch graduate.

Rudy Giuliani – Former Mayor of New York City

Earned Law Degree at: NYU School of Law
Field: Law & Politics

Rudy Giuliani served as NYC’s mayor from 1994 to 2001. After earning his law degree from NYU, he became U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. His leadership after 9/11 brought him worldwide recognition for his crisis management and public service.

Tom Freston – Co-Founder of MTV

Studied at: NYU
Field: Media & Business Strategy

Tom Freston helped shape pop culture as co-founder and CEO of MTV Networks, later becoming CEO of Viacom. Named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People,” he also leads the ONE Campaign to fight poverty and global injustice.

Also, Read: Top 10 Stanford University Notable Alumni You Need to Know

Angelina Jolie – Actress & Global Humanitarian

Studied at: NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Field: Film & Activism

Academy Award-winner Angelina Jolie studied acting at NYU Tisch before taking over Hollywood. Beyond her acclaimed roles in Maleficent and Changeling, she’s received humanitarian awards for her work with the UN and founded the Born This Way Foundation to support mental health and youth empowerment.

Daniel Schulman – CEO of PayPal

Earned Degree from: NYU Stern School of Business
Field: Finance & Social Innovation

Daniel Schulman leads PayPal with a focus on financial inclusion. A graduate of NYU Stern, he’s known for his hands-on leadership, even walking the streets disguised as a homeless person to better understand youth homelessness. His impact combines business success with deep social responsibility.

Read More: Top 10 Yale University Notable Alumni of All Time

Lady Gaga – Grammy-Winning Pop Icon

Trained at: NYU Tisch School’s Collaborative Arts Project 21
Field: Music, Fashion & Advocacy

Before global fame, Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) studied music and performance at NYU. With nine Grammy Awards, multiple chart-toppers, and honors from Time and Forbes, she’s also a passionate activist for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights through the Born This Way Foundation.

Anne Hathaway – Oscar-Winning Actress

Attended: NYU Gallatin School & Tisch School of the Arts
Field: Film & Theatre

Anne Hathaway, known for her roles in The Princess Diaries, Les Misérables, and The Dark Knight Rises, studied at NYU’s Gallatin School with training from Tisch. Her versatility and dedication have earned her both critical acclaim and global stardom.

Billy Crystal – Comedy Legend & Award Host

Studied at: NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Field: Comedy, Acting & Directing

Billy Crystal is a comedy icon known for When Harry Met Sally, City Slickers, and hosting the Oscars. He broke ground playing one of the first openly gay characters on U.S. TV in Soap and remains a major influence in entertainment with multiple Emmy Awards and hit films.

Learn More: All You Need to Know About NYU Acceptance Rates

Here are some more names added to the New York University notable alumni list, presented in tabular form—rounding out a total of 100 distinguished individuals who have excelled across diverse fields.

Read More: How to get admission in NYU | Facts, admission process, and more!

Key Takeaways

• Studying at New York University connects you with a global community that includes numerous award-winning individuals.
  
• NYU is home to one of the most diverse international student populations among U.S. universities, offering students the chance to engage with peers from all over the world.
  
• With a network of over 500,000 alumni across the U.S. and 183 countries, NYU offers unmatched global connections.
  
• The university comprises 20 colleges and schools, providing countless academic and extracurricular opportunities.
  
• You’ll be joining a legacy shared by New York University famous alumni such as Alec Baldwin, Anne Hathaway, Lady Gaga, Ursula Burns, and many others who have left a mark in their fields.
  
  

NYU, now one of the largest private colleges in the United States, educates over 65,000 students and conducts $1 billion in research annually.

Feel free to reach out to us if you’re planning to study abroad and would like more information about New York University famous alumni and other top international universities.

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FAQs

Question 1. Is it challenging to get into NYU?
Answer. Yes, getting into NYU is competitive. For the Class of 2025, NYU had over 80,000 applicants and accepted only about 21%, making it a selective university. Your chances depend on the strength of your academic and personal profile.

Question 2. Why have so many celebrities attended NYU?
Answer. Much of the credit goes to NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts. Plus, being located in New York City—a hub for acting, music, and the arts—makes it the perfect place for aspiring performers to thrive.

Question 3. What makes New York University notable alumni stand out globally?
Answer. New York University notable alumni have excelled in diverse fields such as film, law, politics, science, and business. Their global impact is a reflection of NYU’s world-class education, access to industry hubs like New York City, and strong alumni networks.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Sr. Content Writer

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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