Youngest people to ever graduate college
While most students finish college in their early twenties, a rare few achieve the milestone before they’re even old enough to drive. These young prodigies challenge the conventional timeline and show what’s possible when academic talent meets opportunity and support.
In this article, we explore some of the youngest college graduates in history, how they achieved their degrees so early, and what their stories reveal about education and intelligence.
1. Michael Kearney – Graduated at Age 10
Michael Kearney is widely considered the youngest college graduate in history. Born in 1984, he earned his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of South Alabama at just 10 years old.
Began speaking at 6 months
Taught himself to read by 10 months
Entered high school at age 6
Graduated college by age 10
Kearney later earned multiple master’s degrees and became a teacher and game show contestant.
2. Laurent Simons – Graduated at Age 11
Laurent Simons, a Belgian-Dutch child prodigy, graduated with a bachelor's degree in physics from the University of Antwerp at age 11 in 2021.
Finished high school in 1.5 years
Enrolled in college shortly after
Known for his fascination with artificial organs and space
Simons hopes to one day contribute to research in immortality and human longevity.
3. Moshe Kai Cavalin – Graduated at Age 11
Moshe Kai Cavalin completed an associate degree from East Los Angeles College at age 11 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from UCLA at age 15.
Started college courses at 8
Later worked with NASA on cybersecurity and drone tech
Wrote a book titled We Can Do
Cavalin is known not only for his academic brilliance but also for his message that anyone can succeed with focus and hard work.
4. Alia Sabur – College Professor at Age 19
Though not the youngest graduate, Alia Sabur holds the Guinness World Record as the youngest college professor in history.
Graduated with a degree in applied mathematics from Stony Brook University at age 14
Earned a master’s and Ph.D. in engineering
Appointed a professor at Konkuk University in South Korea at age 19
Her path reflects how early graduation can open doors far beyond the classroom.
5. Tanishq Abraham – Graduated College at Age 11
Tanishq Abraham, born in 2003, earned three associate degrees from American River College by age 11 and a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering from UC Davis by 15.
Member of Mensa at age 4
Gave a TEDx talk at age 9
Currently pursuing a Ph.D.
Tanishq hopes to become a doctor, medical researcher, and eventually a U.S. president.
What Do These Stories Tell Us?
While these young graduates are exceptional, their success comes not just from raw intelligence, but from:
Strong parental support
Flexible schooling options
Personal motivation and focus
Access to higher education systems open to acceleration
Not everyone is meant to graduate college by age 10—but these stories show that with the right environment, education doesn’t need to follow a rigid timeline.
Most students take the traditional route through high school and college, and that’s perfectly fine. But for those wondering what’s possible, the youngest college graduates in history prove that age doesn’t have to define ability.
At College ROI, we believe in helping every student find the right path—whether that means early graduation, trade school, or taking a gap year to figure things out. Our tools help you match with schools, estimate costs, and plan for your future based on what works best for you.
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