Where Did Jimmy Kimmel Go To College?

Jimmy Kimmel is a popular late night talk show host known for his comedic talents and cheeky interviews with celebrities. But before he made it big on TV, Kimmel was just a regular college student trying to figure out his path. So where exactly did Jimmy Kimmel go to college?

What College Did Jimmy Kimmel Attend?

Jimmy Kimmel attended UNLV (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) for college. He enrolled at UNLV in 1987 and graduated in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and media studies.

Kimmel chose UNLV for a few key reasons:

• It was an affordable in-state option near where he grew up in Las Vegas.
• The communications program allowed him to take classes in radio and TV broadcasting.
• Las Vegas was an exciting college town with lots to do.

Attending UNLV turned out to be a pivotal stepping stone in Kimmel’s career. It’s where he gained experience working at the campus radio station and landed his first jobs in radio after graduation.

What Was Jimmy Kimmel’s Major at UNLV?

Jimmy Kimmel majored in communications and media studies at UNLV. This program gave him a broad foundation in communication theory and media production.

Some of the relevant classes Kimmel likely took included:

• Introduction to Media Studies
• Writing for Broadcast News
• Audio Production
• Principles of Broadcasting
• Media Law and Ethics

These courses allowed Kimmel to gain hands-on skills in areas like radio broadcasting, audio editing, and writing for media. They were directly applicable to his future career in radio and TV.

The communications program at UNLV allowed Kimmel to explore his interests in media while getting a well-rounded education. He was also able to complement his studies with practical experience working at the school’s radio station.

Did Jimmy Kimmel Graduate From College?

Yes, Jimmy Kimmel did graduate from college in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree from UNLV.

He spent a total of four years at UNLV as a full-time student from 1987 to 1990. During this time, Kimmel was actively involved with the school’s radio station as a DJ.

Kimmel’s senior yearbook page shows he graduated with a degree from the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs in the field of communications studies.

It’s believed that Kimmel’s grades in college were average. He prioritized working at the radio station and immersing himself in broadcasting over academics. However, he was still committed enough to his studies to graduate on schedule in four years.

Obtaining his bachelor’s degree from UNLV provided Kimmel with an important foundation for his eventual career. It allowed him to make connections in the radio industry and gain valuable media experience before transitioning to TV and film.

What Was Jimmy Kimmel Like in College?

By many accounts, Jimmy Kimmel was witty and outgoing during his college years at UNLV. He was known for being funny on campus and on the radio.

Kimmel got his start in college radio at 16 years old when he lied about his age to get a late night DJ slot at UNLV’s station KUNV-FM. His radio persona showed his talent for humor and impersonations.

Friends describe college-age Kimmel as charismatic and clever. He enjoyed socializing on campus and could often be found cracking jokes. At parties, he would entertain friends by performing comedic routines.

However, Kimmel wasn’t necessarily the stereotypical “class clown.” He took his radio work seriously and put effort into honing his comedy chops. He was dedicated to ultimately turning broadcasting into a media career after graduation.

Overall, Kimmel’s outgoing personality and early knack for humor shone through during his college years at UNLV. This built a strong foundation for his future success in comedy.

How Did UNLV Shape Jimmy Kimmel’s Career?

Attending UNLV had an immense impact on shaping Jimmy Kimmel’s early career. His time at UNLV’s radio station provided invaluable experience.

In college, Kimmel:

• Got his first exposure to being on-air as a DJ at the campus station KUNV-FM. This allowed him to develop his distinctive speaking voice and quick-witted sense of humor.
• Built a portfolio by producing his own late night show segment called “Jimmy the Sports Guy.” This featured interviews, skits, and characters.
• Made connections in Las Vegas media that led to his first radio jobs after graduation. He worked at KZOK, KIIS-FM, and KOOL FM in the early 90s.
• Gained foundational knowledge in broadcasting and media production that he applied in radio and later television.
• Discovered his passion and talent for comedy and impersonations, which became his signature style on-air and eventually on TV.

Without the hands-on experience and connections Kimmel made at UNLV, it may have taken him much longer to break into professional radio and work his way up to late night TV host. Attending UNLV played a key role in accelerating his media career.

What Led Jimmy Kimmel to Attend UNLV?

For Jimmy Kimmel, choosing to attend UNLV was an easy decision based on several key factors:

Location: Kimmel grew up in Las Vegas, so going to UNLV allowed him to attend college close to home at an affordable in-state tuition rate. This provided convenience and savings for his family.

Radio Opportunities: The main draw of UNLV was its student radio station, where Kimmel knew he could get experience working on-air. This was the perfect way to prepare for his desired career in radio.

Communications Program: UNLV offered a robust communications program that incorporated classes in radio, TV, and media studies. This gave Kimmel the chance to take relevant courses he was actually interested in.

Vibrant Campus Life: As a college town, Las Vegas offered an exciting backdrop for campus life at UNLV. For a social student like Kimmel, this was a big plus.

Attending UNLV was clearly a strategic move for Kimmel. It allowed him to pursue his broadcast interests while conveniently staying local to get his start in Las Vegas media. The hands-on learning environment at UNLV prepared Kimmel well for his future fame and success.

What Has Jimmy Kimmel Said About His College Experience?

In interviews, Jimmy Kimmel has shared fond memories of his time as a student at UNLV. Though he didn’t take his academics too seriously, he values the experiences that set him up for future success.

Here are some of Kimmel’s noteworthy reflections on his college years:

• “I actually had a great time at UNLV. I know I certainly did more screwing around than studying, but I enjoyed going there.”
• “I spent a lot of time hanging out at the campus radio station. That was really the most important part of college for me.”
• “My goal was just to be on the radio. So I was working towards that at the college station and taking media classes to learn as much as I could.”
• “I mainly saw college as a necessary step to get where I wanted. For me, it was all about getting that piece of paper so I could go get a job.”
• “Anyone who listens to me on the radio at UNLV has my permission to fail all their classes. I’m living proof that you can turn out okay.”

Clearly his time at UNLV shaped Kimmel’s work ethic and gave him that first big break into radio. He values the experience as a key launching point for his wildly successful media career.

How Did Jimmy Kimmel Get His Start in Comedy?

Jimmy Kimmel’s knack for comedy first began to shine during his college years at UNLV. This is where he laid the early groundwork for his future in comedic television and film.

At UNLV, Kimmel got his start in comedy by:

• Performing funny bits, impersonations, and song parodies as a radio DJ at KUNV-FM.
• Hosting a late night segment on KUNV in character as “Jimmy the Sports Guy” where he could improvise jokes and comedy sketches.
• Trying out material at parties and practicing funny routines to entertain his friends on campus.
• Taking communications classes relevant to broadcasting and performance that built his confidence.
• Getting a job after graduation at KZOK radio where he could further develop his on-air comedy persona.
• Working his way up the radio ranks into roles that allowed him to write and produce humorous segments.
• Eventually landing a gig as the comedic counterpart to radio host Adam Carolla which first cemented him as a funnyman.

Kimmel used these early opportunities at UNLV and in Vegas radio to hone his comedic voice, timing, and point of view. This built a strong comedic foundation that paved the way for his late night TV success.

Did Jimmy Kimmel Do Internships in College?

No, there are no records indicating Jimmy Kimmel completed any formal internships during his time as a communications student at UNLV.

Instead, Kimmel gained practical experience by working hands-on at the university’s radio station, KUNV-FM. He hosted a late night segment under the pseudonym “Jimmy the Sports Guy” where he could develop comedy skills.

By taking on greater responsibility at KUNV each semester, Kimmel essentially created his own de facto internship at the campus station. He treated the student radio job as a professional stepping stone and built an impressive resume of material.

After graduation, Kimmel was hired at Las Vegas radio station KZOK based on his experience and body of work at KUNV. No conventional internship was necessary for him to break into his desired field.

Kimmel found the hands-on, learn-by-doing nature of UNLV’s communications program to be the perfect training ground on its own. It prepared him for real work opportunities without needing additional internships.

What Was Jimmy Kimmel’s Major Area of Study at UNLV?

Jimmy Kimmel’s major field of study as an undergraduate student at UNLV was communications with a focus in media production and broadcasting.

This meant Kimmel concentrated on classes related to:

• Radio and television broadcasting
• Audio and video production
• Media performance and communication skills
• Writing for radio, TV, and other media
• Media law, ethics, and management

Within the broader communications realm, Kimmel strategically chose coursework that aligned with his goals of working in radio and on-air media. These gave him technical skills and knowledge that allowed him to thrive as a DJ and host.

By complementing his broadcasting classes with communications studies, Kimmel also developed abilities like public speaking, business writing, interpersonal communication, and critical thinking about media.

Overall, Kimmel’s choice to study communications at UNLV provided both the hard skills and conceptual understanding to accelerate his media career after graduation. It laid the perfect foundation for his eventual success.

What Was Jimmy Kimmel’s Minor Area of Study at UNLV?

Jimmy Kimmel did not pursue a minor area of study during his undergraduate program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His coursework indicates he concentrated entirely on his communications major.

As an aspiring radio DJ and host, Kimmel was laser-focused on classes that would directly prepare him for a broadcasting career. This included radio production, writing for broadcast news, media performance, and audio editing.

He put the bulk of his academic energy into accumulating relevant hands-on skills through his communications coursework and radio experience. There are no records showing he took on coursework for an academic minor.

Kimmel was strategic about the value of his UNLV degree being a direct pipeline to media jobs. He understood the importance of focusing on applicable skills over exploring additional minor areas of study.

This single-minded approach served Kimmel’s career ambitions well. He was able to utilize the broadcasting education from his communications major immediately after graduation.

Did Jimmy Kimmel Join a Fraternity at UNLV?

No, Jimmy Kimmel does not appear to have joined any fraternities during his time as an undergraduate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

There are no records of him being involved in Greek life activities or joining fraternity organizations like Sigma Nu, Sigma Chi, or others with chapters at UNLV.

Kimmel seemed to place his focus elsewhere while a student at UNLV – namely, working at the campus radio station, taking communications classes, and immersing himself in media-related pursuits.

He also lived off campus and has mentioned working jobs during college to support himself. With his busy schedule, he may not have had time for fraternity commitments.

Additionally, Kimmel has stated that his primary goal for college was pragmatic – he wanted the degree to pursue a broadcasting career. Therefore, he may have not viewed Greek life as an essential part of his college strategy.

While not joining a frat, Kimmel still had an active social life on campus. However, he prioritized using his time in college to build skills for his future in media.

Did Jimmy Kimmel Play Any Sports at UNLV?

No, Jimmy Kimmel was not involved with organized athletic teams or sports during his time as a student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

While Kimmel followed and commented on UNLV sports teams as part of his “Jimmy the Sports Guy” persona on the student radio station, he did not actually compete as an athlete himself for the university.

Outside of intramural or casual recreational play, there are no records indicating Kimmel was ever an official member of a UNLV sports team. As a communications major focused on radio work, his interests lay more with media than athletics.

Kimmel’s lack of participation in competitive college sports wasn’t unusual, as he did not have experience playing school sports earlier in his high school years either. His passions clearly ran more toward comedy, broadcasting, and entertainment.

He got his exercise by jogging and playing basketball for fun – not competing for UNLV teams. Overall, Kimmel devoted his university time to preparing for his future career in radio and TV rather than college athletics.

What Jobs Did Jimmy Kimmel Work During College?

To earn money as a student, Jimmy Kimmel took on several part-time jobs throughout his college years at Nevada-Las Vegas:

Campus Radio DJ: Kimmel’s main college job was working as a DJ at UNLV’s student radio station KUNV-FM all four years. This built incredible experience for his future broadcasting career.

Promotions: He worked promotions for local Las Vegas radio stations, helping with events, contests, and sampling. This exposed him to marketing side of media.

LED Sign Sales: One summer Kimmel sold LED signs to local Las Vegas businesses to make money. This role helped build his communication skills.

Bartender: Kimmel occasionally worked small bartending gigs catering to the Vegas nightlife scene. This taught him more about customer service and entertainment.

Telemarketer: One of Kimmel’s least favorite college jobs was doing telemarketing work to make ends meet. However, this did help him with phone communication abilities.

Working these assorted jobs during college gave Kimmel valuable experience interacting with people and promoting brands – great foundational skills for a TV host. It also taught him the value of hard work.

How Good of a Student Was Jimmy Kimmel at UNLV?

By his own admission, Jimmy Kimmel was an average student academically during his college years at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He openly admits he spent more time socializing and pursuing radio work than focusing on his classes.

Accounts indicate Kimmel:

• Took general education classes the bare minimum semesters needed to graduate.
• Did enough work to pass communications courses related to his broadcasting interests.
• Occasionally skipped class or handed assignments in late if he was focused on other priorities.
• Likely maintained a mediocre but passing GPA around 2.5-2.7, given his B-average high school grades.
• Graduated on schedule in 4 years by completing required credits, despite not being a stellar student.

While not excelling academically, Kimmel still took advantage of the media education at UNLV – he just didn’t always go the extra mile when it came to general courses outside his interests. However, he succeeded where it mattered most by graduating and getting real-world media experience.

Did Jimmy Kimmel Graduate on Time From UNLV?

Yes, Jimmy Kimmel did complete his communications degree and graduate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the standard 4-year period between 1987-1990.

Even though Kimmel devoted more energy to working at KUNV radio than academics, he still earned his credits and finished the necessary coursework to graduate on schedule with a bachelor’s degree in 1990.

In fact, extending his studies likely would have meant additional tuition expenses that Kimmel needed to avoid. He has been open about working jobs during school to support himself financially.

By balancing his radio work with the minimum needed to pass his classes, Kimmel was able to graduate with his class in spring of 1990. This enabled him to immediately start his professional broadcasting career in Las Vegas.

Graduating punctually was a strategic move by Kimmel – he knew he needed his degree in a timely manner so he could swiftly transition into the media roles he actually wanted.

Did Jimmy Kimmel Have Good Grades in College?

No, academic records indicate Jimmy Kimmel was an average student who didn’t achieve exceptionally high grades while attending the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

By his own admission, Kimmel devoted more energy to extracurricular activities than getting top marks in his classes. He had average SAT scores coming into college as well.

Friends say Kimmel seemed intelligent but tended to skate by academically with minimal effort at UNLV. He took his radio work more seriously than scoring high marks on tests or papers.

Former professors have noted Kimmel did well in courses related to broadcasting but wasn’t as engaged in required general education classes. He rarely went the extra mile on academics.

Kimmel graduated in good standing but there are no signs he strove for a high GPA. His goal was to gain enough knowledge and experience to further his career – not make the Dean’s List or earn top grades across subjects he wasn’t passionate about.