Kylie Kelce graduated from Cabrini University in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in communications. Long before her rise as a public figure, podcast host, and cultural staple alongside her husband, former NFL center Jason Kelce, she built a distinct identity on college classrooms and athletic fields in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Rather than chasing the spotlight, her college years focused on academic training, leadership development, and competitive NCAA Division III field hockey.
Understanding her background reveals how early athletic grit and communication training shaped her direct, no-nonsense public persona. Let's unpack her collegiate roots, her athletic achievements, and how those foundational years shaped her career trajectory.
Where Did Kylie Kelce Go to College?
Kylie Kelce (née McDevitt) attended Cabrini University, a private Catholic university formerly located in Radnor, Pennsylvania. She enrolled after graduating from Lower Merion High School, staying close to her suburban Philadelphia roots.
Choosing Cabrini wasn't just an academic decision; it allowed her to continue playing competitive field hockey at the collegiate level. She majored in communications, a field focused on media, interpersonal dynamics, and public presentation. While many modern media personalities study broadcast journalism at massive state universities, Kelce pursued her education at a small liberal arts institution known for tight-knit classes and community engagement.
Academic Focus and Major
Her communications degree provided a solid framework for the speaking and media skills she uses today. While she didn't initially enter college aiming for a career in entertainment or digital media, the structural communication training helped her navigate public speaking engagements, brand partnerships, and podcasting with ease.
Her connection to her alma mater remained strong long after graduation. In May 2024, she returned to campus to deliver the commencement address to the graduating class. She spoke candidly about embracing the unexpected twists of life and career paths, drawing directly from her own journey out of the Cabrini community.
Athletic Career and Field Hockey Legacy
You can't talk about Kylie's college years without looking at her impact on the field hockey turf. She was a dominant force for the Cabrini Cavaliers, blending tactical awareness with fierce competitiveness.
She earned the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) Rookie of the Year award during her freshman season. That early success set the tone for a career filled with accolades:
- Earned All-CSAC First Team honors in multiple consecutive seasons.
- Selected for the ECAC South All-Stars First Team.
- Served as team captain, leading the Cavaliers to back-to-back CSAC Championship titles.
Her teammates and coaches frequently noted her natural leadership abilities. She wasn't just a skilled player; she set the emotional and physical standard for the team. That competitive drive didn't end at graduation. She spent several years as the head varsity field hockey coach at Lower Merion High School, mentoring young athletes and staying connected to the sport.
Transition from College Graduate to Public Figure
Many fans wonder how a communications graduate from a small Pennsylvania university became a digital powerhouse with millions of followers across Instagram and TikTok. Her rise wasn't manufactured by a Hollywood PR firm. It grew organically through her candid appearances on the New Heights podcast, her sideline support during Jason's NFL career, and her refusal to filter her personality for public approval.
Her communication degree shines through in her ability to connect with everyday audiences. Whether she's discussing the realities of parenting four daughters, advocating for autism awareness through the Eagles Autism Foundation, or hosting her media projects, her communication style remains grounded, witty, and entirely unscripted.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Internet searches often mix up details regarding her educational background. Clearing up these common errors helps paint an accurate picture:
- She did not attend the University of Cincinnati: While Jason Kelce played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats, Kylie grew up in Pennsylvania and spent her entire undergraduate career locally at Cabrini.
- She wasn't a broadcast major chasing fame: Her focus was communications within a small liberal arts setting, with her primary college priorities centered on academics and team athletics rather than media networking.
- She didn't abandon sports after graduation: Instead of walking away from field hockey, she immediately channeled her competitive background into coaching high school athletes for over six years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree did Kylie Kelce earn in college?
She earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Cabrini University in 2017.
Did Kylie Kelce play sports in college?
Yes. She played NCAA Division III field hockey for Cabrini University, where she earned All-CSAC First Team honors and served as team captain.
Where did Kylie Kelce grow up?
She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, attending Lower Merion High School before staying local for college.
Did Kylie Kelce coach field hockey after graduating?
Yes. She spent more than six years as the head varsity field hockey coach at Lower Merion High School, giving back to the sport and mentoring young players.
