Where Did Nancy Pelosi Go to College? Her Alma Mater Explained as She Retires from Congress in 2025

Key takeaways

• Nancy Pelosi graduated from Trinity Washington University (formerly Trinity College) in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts in political science
• She grew up in a political family in Baltimore, which influenced her decision to study government and politics
• Trinity Washington University is a private women's college located in Washington, D.C., known for its focus on social justice and leadership

Ever wondered what college shaped one of the most powerful politicians in America? Nancy Pelosi didn't just stumble into becoming the first female Speaker of the House.

Her college years played a bigger role than you might think. And with her announcement today that she's retiring from Congress after nearly 40 years, looking back at where it all started feels especially relevant.

Where did Nancy Pelosi study?

Nancy Pelosi attended Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. Back then, it was called Trinity College. She started in 1958 and graduated in 1962 with a degree in political science.

Why D.C.? Her father, Thomas D'Alesandro Jr., was the mayor of Baltimore. Politics was basically the family business. Studying political science at a college in D.C. meant she could stay close to where the real action happened while getting her education.

Trinity was (and still is) a Catholic women's college. In the early 1960s, women's colleges gave female students something they couldn't always get at regular co-ed schools: real chances to lead. Women could run organizations, lead debates, and be in charge without getting pushed aside.

Why Trinity's location made all the difference

Trinity sits just a few miles from Capitol Hill. That's walking distance from where Congress meets.

During college, Pelosi could easily:

• Attend political events and rallies
• Watch congressional hearings in person
• Meet politicians and their staff
• Network with people working in government
• See how laws actually get made

The college also pushed students to care about social justice and civic responsibility. Those values became central to who Pelosi is as a politician. Trinity's whole mission was about teaching women to become leaders, which fit perfectly with her background and goals.

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What Trinity Washington University looks like now

Trinity has changed since Pelosi's time there, but it's still a women's college (though men can now attend certain graduate programs). About 2,000 students go there. The school focuses on helping first-generation college students and women from diverse backgrounds.

Political science is still a popular major, probably because having Nancy Pelosi as an alumna doesn't hurt. Tuition runs around $25,000 per year, though most students get financial aid to help cover costs.

Today's students face the same challenge Pelosi did back in 1962: figuring out how to pay for college. Federal student loans, private loans, scholarships, and grants all play different roles in covering costs.

From college grad to history maker

Here's Pelosi's timeline after graduation:

Notice something? She didn't run for office right after college.

She spent 25 years raising kids, working in party politics, fundraising, and building relationships. A political science degree doesn't automatically launch a political career. Sometimes the path takes decades.

As Speaker, Pelosi helped pass major laws, including the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), infrastructure funding, and climate change initiatives. She also led two presidential impeachments.

Big news: Pelosi's retirement announcement

On Thursday, November 6, 2025, the 85-year-old Pelosi released a video telling her San Francisco constituents she wouldn't run for a 21st term. After representing the city for 38 years, she's calling it quits.

Her timing is interesting. Just two days earlier, California passed Proposition 50, a ballot measure led by Governor Gavin Newsom that she personally raised tens of millions of dollars to support.

The measure redraws congressional districts to help Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections. She went out with a win.

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called her "the greatest Speaker of all time." Former President Barack Obama praised her work on everything from economic recovery to healthcare. Her career spanned four presidents and completely changed what people thought women could do in politics.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Did Nancy Pelosi go to graduate school?

No. She only got her bachelor's degree from Trinity College. She never went back for a master's degree or law school, which is actually pretty unusual for someone who became that powerful in politics.

Was Nancy Pelosi involved in campus politics at Trinity?

We don't have tons of details about what clubs she joined or what she did on campus. But women at Trinity during that time usually had lots of chances to lead campus organizations and student government.

How much did Trinity College cost when Pelosi attended?

Way less than today. Private colleges in the early 1960s charged a few thousand dollars per year. Even adjusting for inflation, it would still be cheaper than what colleges cost now.

Why is Nancy Pelosi retiring now?

She's 85 years old and has been in Congress for 38 years. She said she wants to finish her final year serving San Francisco and encouraged the city to "know your power." After becoming the first female Speaker and passing major legislation, she decided to leave on her own terms.

Are there other famous politicians who went to Trinity Washington University?

Not really. Trinity is pretty small and doesn't have a huge list of famous political alumni besides Pelosi. Bigger universities tend to have more graduates who go into national politics just because they have more students.

Final thoughts

Nancy Pelosi's time at Trinity Washington University set everything in motion, even though her big career didn't start until 25 years later. Choosing to study political science in D.C., combined with growing up in a political family, gave her the knowledge and connections she'd eventually use to make history.

As Pelosi gets ready to leave Congress in January 2027, her story teaches us something important about education and timing. Where you go to school matters, but it's not the only thing. What you study, where that school is located, how involved you get, and how long you stick with your goals all matter too.

And no matter what career you want, making smart choices about paying for college is huge. Understanding your loan options, repayment plans, and what resources are out there can stop student debt from messing up your plans after graduation.

Source

• Nancy Pelosi - Wikipedia
• Nancy Pelosi | Biography, Book, Age, & Facts | Britannica
• Nancy Pelosi '62 - Washington, DC
• Pelosi, Nancy | Women of the Hall
• PELOSI, Nancy
• Biography | Representative Nancy Pelosi