Higher Learning (1995): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch
Higher Learning is a 1995 sports drama directed by John Singleton, starring Kristy Swanson and Omar Epps. It runs 2 hours 7 minutes and earned $38.3 million worldwide. Critics gave it 46% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic. Stream it on Sony Pictures Core, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 7m (127 min)
- Director
- John Singleton
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Columbia Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Higher Learning About?
The premise of Higher Learning without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In the 1990s, a group of freshmen at Columbus University confront the challenges of growing up, exploring their identities and finding their place within the university's social structure. As they navigate relationships and campus life, Malik pursues his athletic goals, Remy struggles to fit in, and Kristen holds onto her optimistic worldview. Their experiences are disrupted when they uncover a disturbing secret: a neo-Nazi group has infiltrated the university, creating tension and threatening the students’ sense of safety and belonging.
Higher Learning Themes & Keywords
· 46 tags- lesbian
- date rape
- lesbian romance
- lesbianism
- racism
- anger
- sex scene
- destroying a room
- hood
- naive young woman
- live action
- college
+34 more Show fewer
- prejudice
- african american
- skinhead
- scholarship
- two word title
- interracial relationship
- gangster versus nazi
- race relations
- black romance
- black militant
- roommate
- rejection
- athletic scholarship
- racial slur
- police brutality
- riot
- homosexual
- bisexual
- white power
- anti semitism
- sniper
- middle class
- suicide
- growing up
- ethnic slur
- xenophobia
- police harassment
- school shooting
- resentment
- violence
- female athlete
- female female kiss
- title spoken by character
- gay slur
Where to Watch Higher Learning
Stream it on Sony Pictures Core, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 1
Sony Pictures Core Amazon Channel 
Streaming availability in the US, powered by 
Higher Learning Cast
Kristy Swanson leads the cast, with Omar Epps. Directed by John Singleton.
-
Director John Singleton
Higher Learning Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Higher Learning 46% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 46% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 74%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 54 Metascore
User score 6.4
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 64% User score
See on TMDB
Higher Learning Plot Summary
What happens in Higher Learning from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
As Kristen Connor (Kristy Swanson), a freshman at Columbus University, and Malik Williams (Omar Epps), a gifted high-school track star on a scholarship, immerse themselves in the vibrant party atmosphere of campus life, they become enmeshed in a complex tapestry of social interactions. The lively gathering at Fudge White’s dorm—led by a senior and passionate Afrocentric activist—is abruptly interrupted by Remy, a reserved freshman from Boise, Idaho, who calls campus authorities to address the noise complaint. This act of intervention sparks outrage from Fudge, who vehemently condemns the police response for unfairly targeting black students while neglecting the disruptive antics of their white counterparts.
Full summary
The whole story of Higher Learning, scene by scene
Higher Learning Box Office
Higher Learning grossed $38.3 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$38.3M
- US & Canada
- $38.3M
Higher Learning Trailers & Videos
2 videos: 2 trailers.
- Trailer Official Trailer
How Well Do You Know Higher Learning?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What university do Kristen and Malik attend?
Cars in Higher Learning
8 cars on screen, including the 1993 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer and the Dodge Diplomat.
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1993 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer Minor role -
Dodge Diplomat Minor role -
1965 Volkswagen Sedan Typ 1 Minor role -
1988 Ford Mustang Background role
Higher Learning Also Known As
18 alternative titles, including “Duro aprendizaje” and “Μαθήματα Ζωής”.
- Also known as
-
- Duro aprendizaje
- Μαθήματα Ζωής
- Die Rebellen
- Semillas de rencor
- Higher Learning - Die Rebellen
- Fièvre à Columbus University
- L'università dell'odio
- Higher Learning - Lære for livet
- Livets hårda skola
- Высшее образование
- Studenci
- Megoldatlan egyenletek
+6 more Show fewer
- Duro Aprendizado
- Holé lebky
- 校园大冲突
- 하이어 러닝
- Вища освіта
- Sementes de Raiva
Seen Higher Learning?
Movies Like Higher Learning
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including College, Sorority and The Campus Vamp.
Higher Learning FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Higher Learning, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Higher Learning?
Higher Learning runs 2 hours 7 minutes (127 minutes).
When was Higher Learning released?
Higher Learning was released on January 11, 1995.
Who directed Higher Learning?
Higher Learning was directed by John Singleton.
More films by John Singleton Who is in the cast of Higher Learning?
Higher Learning stars Kristy Swanson and Omar Epps.
Where can I watch Higher Learning?
In the US, Higher Learning is streaming on Sony Pictures Core and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).
How much did Higher Learning make at the box office?
Higher Learning grossed $38.3 million worldwide.
How is Higher Learning rated?
Higher Learning has 46% on Rotten Tomatoes, 54 on Metacritic and 64% on TMDB.
Does Higher Learning have a post-credit scene?
No. Higher Learning has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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