Where Did Gavin Newsom Go to College? From Student to California’s Governor

Key takeaways

• Newsom graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in political science
• He got into college thanks to a partial baseball scholarship
• He struggled with dyslexia and even failed statistics three times

Ever wonder where California's governor learned the skills that helped launch his political career? Gavin Newsom went to Santa Clara University, a private school in California.

He graduated in 1989 with a degree in political science. His college story is pretty interesting because it wasn't always easy for him.

Where did Newsom go to college?

Santa Clara University recruited Newsom to play baseball. He got a partial scholarship for the sport. Growing up in Marin County near San Francisco, Newsom attended Redwood High School. Santa Clara wasn't far from home, which made it a convenient choice.

Here's something Newsom has talked about openly: his SAT score was 960 out of 1600. That's not terrible, but it wasn't great either. He's said many times that baseball was his ticket to college. Without sports, getting into a competitive university would have been much harder.

Santa Clara is a Jesuit school, which means it's run by Catholic priests who focus on teaching students to think critically and care about social justice. These values ended up influencing how Newsom thinks about politics today.

What did Newsom study in college?

Newsom picked political science as his major. He graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Looking back, his choice makes sense since he ended up in politics. But right after college, he actually went into business first.

During his junior year, Newsom spent a semester studying in Rome, Italy. Living overseas gave him a chance to see how different countries work. Many students who study abroad say it changes how they see the world.

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How did baseball shape his college experience?

Newsom played baseball during his first two years at Santa Clara. But then things changed. In late 1985, he had elbow surgery to repair a torn ligament. The injury basically ended his chance to play varsity baseball.

Losing baseball was really hard for him. His spokesperson later said it was "a crushing moment" for someone who'd been a star athlete in high school. When your whole identity is wrapped up in sports, losing that can feel like losing yourself.

The injury forced Newsom to figure out who he was beyond baseball. He had to find new ways to get involved on campus and think about a future that didn't include professional sports.

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What challenges did he face in school?

Newsom has severe dyslexia. That's a learning disability that makes reading and processing information much harder. School can be really tough when your brain works differently than traditional teaching methods expect.

In 2008, Newsom told The Santa Clara newspaper something pretty surprising. He said he "only got into Santa Clara because of baseball, that got student loans, and that was given a waiver to graduate because I couldn't pass a class—three times—that I took at College of Marin: statistics."

Read that again. The governor of California couldn't pass statistics.

He took it three times at a community college and still failed. Santa Clara eventually gave him a special waiver so he could graduate anyway. One impossible class didn't stop him from getting his degree.

Newsom says Santa Clara taught him "how to learn" despite his dyslexia. For students with learning differences, finding the right strategies can make all the difference.

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Almost every college has a disability services office that helps students with learning disabilities. Register early to get extra time on tests, note-taking help, or other accommodations.

What does he say about Santa Clara now?

Looking back, Newsom speaks positively about his time there. In a 2008 interview, he said Santa Clara University taught him to be an "independent thinker." The school gave him "the confidence to question authority, to question the status quo and the way things are being done."

That's classic Jesuit education. The teaching style pushes students to ask "why?" and challenge the way things have always been done. This approach clearly stuck with Newsom.

During Santa Clara's 2020 virtual graduation ceremony, Newsom called his old school "one of the world's great institutions." Even decades later, he stays connected to the place that shaped how he thinks.

What did Newsom do after graduating?

After getting his degree in 1989, Newsom didn't jump straight into politics. Instead, he started a wine business called PlumpJack Group with money from billionaire Gordon Getty. The business grew to include wineries, restaurants, and hotels.

Running businesses taught Newsom practical skills before he entered politics. In 1996, San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown appointed him to the city's Parking and Traffic Commission. That was his first government job. From there, his political career took off, eventually leading to the governor's mansion in 2018.

How has college shaped his work as governor?

Newsom's struggles in school clearly influence how he thinks about education policy. He knows college isn't easy for everyone. He understands that money problems can stop talented students from succeeding.

As governor, he's pushed for more access to higher education and increased funding for California's public universities. His policies reflect someone who values education but knows it comes with real challenges.

California higher education funding under Newsom

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Did Gavin Newsom play professional baseball?

No. Newsom's baseball career ended after elbow surgery during his sophomore year at Santa Clara. The injury prevented him from playing at the varsity level, and he never went pro.

What degree does Gavin Newsom have?

Newsom has a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Santa Clara University. He graduated in 1989.

Did Newsom struggle academically in college?

Yes. Newsom has talked openly about struggling with severe dyslexia. He's admitted he needed a waiver to graduate because he couldn't pass statistics even after taking it three times.

Is Santa Clara University a good school?

Santa Clara University is a well-respected private Jesuit university in California. It's known for business, engineering, and liberal arts programs. The school focuses on values-based education and critical thinking.

Did Gavin Newsom study abroad in college?

Yes. Newsom spent a semester in Rome, Italy, during his junior year. He's described this experience as eye-opening and influential to his later political career.

Final thoughts

Gavin Newsom's college experience at Santa Clara University wasn't perfect. He struggled with dyslexia. He lost his baseball career to injury. He failed statistics multiple times. But he graduated anyway and went on to become governor of California.

His story proves that college success doesn't follow one path. Students facing learning disabilities, money problems, or unexpected challenges can still earn their degrees and build meaningful careers.

Understanding your options for financial aid and support services makes higher education more accessible. Whether you're researching colleges or already enrolled, remember that everyone's path looks different. Your struggles don't define your potential.

Source

• Gavin Newsom - Wikipedia
• About Gavin Newsom | Governor of California
• Gavin Newsom - WGA - Western Governors' Association
• Gavin Newsom, Governor of California - Yale Dyslexia