Childhood and Education Journey of Joe Biden in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Joe Biden, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. served as the 46th U.S. President (2021-2025). A Democrat, he previously served as the 47th Vice President under Barack Obama (2009-2017). Before becoming Vice President, Biden represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate for 36 years, from 1973 to 2009.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

November 20, 1942: Birth of Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.

On November 20, 1942, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born. He would later become the 46th president of the United States.

1946: Family Purchased a Home in Garden City

In 1946, Biden's family purchased a home in the affluent Long Island suburb of Garden City.

1953: Family moved to Claymont, Delaware

In 1953, when Biden was ten years old, his family moved to an apartment in Claymont, Delaware.

1961: Graduated from Archmere Academy

In 1961, Joe Biden graduated from Archmere Academy in Claymont.

1965: Graduated from the University of Delaware

In 1965, Biden graduated from the University of Delaware.

1965: Received BA degree from the University of Delaware

In 1965, Joe Biden received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in history and political science from the University of Delaware in Newark.

August 27, 1966: Married Neilia Hunter

On August 27, 1966, Joe Biden married Neilia Hunter in a Catholic church in Skaneateles, New York.

1968: Graduated from Syracuse University College of Law

In 1968, Biden graduated from Syracuse University College of Law.

1968: Earned Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law

In 1968, Joe Biden earned a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.

1968: Received conditional medical deferment

In 1968, Joe Biden received a conditional medical deferment from the draft, based on a physical examination.

1970: Elected to New Castle County Council

In 1970, Joe Biden was elected to the New Castle County Council.

December 18, 1972: Death of Wife and Daughter

On December 18, 1972, Joe Biden's wife Neilia and one-year-old daughter Naomi were killed in an automobile accident in Hockessin, Delaware. His sons were injured.

1972: Elected to the U.S. Senate

In 1972, Joe Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate.

1972: Death of Biden's wife and daughter

In 1972, shortly after being elected to the Senate, Joe Biden's first wife and daughter tragically died in a car accident.

1974: Described himself as liberal on civil rights and liberties

In a 1974 interview, Joe Biden described himself as liberal on civil rights and liberties, senior citizens' concerns, and healthcare, but conservative on other issues.

1975: Met Jill Tracy Jacobs

In 1975, Joe Biden met Jill Tracy Jacobs on a blind date.

June 17, 1977: Married Jill Tracy Jacobs

On June 17, 1977, Joe Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs at the United Nations chapel in New York.

1980: Carter Lost a Contest While Appearing on the Ballot

In 1980, Jimmy Carter lost a contest while appearing on the ballot. Biden lost the American Samoa contest to venture capitalist Jason Palmer, becoming the first incumbent president to lose a contest while appearing on the ballot since Jimmy Carter.

1981: Birth of Ashley Biden

In 1981, Joe and Jill Biden had a daughter, Ashley Biden.

February 1988: Underwent Surgery for Brain Aneurysm

In February 1988, Biden underwent surgery to correct a leaking intracranial berry aneurysm, following several episodes of severe neck pain. While recuperating, he also suffered a pulmonary embolism. A second aneurysm was surgically repaired in May. His health issues kept him away from the Senate for seven months.

1991: Co-taught seminar at Widener University School of Law

From 1991, Joe Biden co-taught a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law as an adjunct professor.

2008: Ended teaching seminar at Widener University School of Law

In 2008, Joe Biden ended co-teaching a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law.

2008: Spokesperson commented on medical deferment

In 2008, a spokesperson for Joe Biden said his having had "asthma as a teenager" was the reason for his medical deferment.

November 2009: Biden's Net Worth in 2009

As of November 2009, Biden's net worth was $27,012.

2012: Biden Supports Same-Sex Marriage

Biden has supported same-sex marriage since 2012.

2015: Death of Beau Biden

In 2015, Joe Biden's son Beau Biden died of brain cancer.

2018: Biden gives eulogy for Senator John McCain

In 2018, Joe Biden gave a eulogy for Senator John McCain.

2018: Senate Goes Republican

In 2024, Trump defeated Harris in the general election and the Senate went Republican for the first time since 2018.

2019: Biden honorary professor at University of Pennsylvania

In 2019, Joe Biden was an honorary professor at the University of Pennsylvania, developing the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement. He remained in that position into 2019.

November 2020: Biden's Net Worth in 2020

By November 2020, the Bidens were worth $9 million, largely due to sales of Biden's books and speaking fees after his vice presidency.

January 20, 2021: Biden Inaugurated as President

On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States, becoming the oldest person to assume the office at 78. He was also the second Catholic U.S. president and the first president elected from Delaware on January 20, 2021.

2021: Biden Revokes Trump's Security Clearance

On February 7, 2025, Donald Trump revoked Biden's security clearance, ending his access to classified information. In 2021, Biden revoked Trump's security clearance for his role in inciting the January 6 Capitol attack.

January 2022: Justice Breyer Announces Retirement

In January 2022, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his intention to retire.

July 21, 2022: Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19

On July 21, 2022, Biden tested positive for COVID-19 with reportedly mild symptoms and was treated with Paxlovid.

July 30, 2022: Biden Tests Positive Again for COVID-19

On July 30, 2022, Biden tested positive again for COVID-19 and returned to isolation.

April 25, 2023: Biden Confirms Reelection Run in 2024

On April 25, 2023, Biden confirmed he would run for reelection as president in the 2024 election, with Harris again as his running mate.

July 17, 2024: Biden Again Tests Positive for COVID-19

On July 17, 2024, Biden again tested positive for COVID-19.

August 6, 2024: Harris Confirmed as Democratic Presidential Nominee

On August 6, 2024, Kamala Harris was confirmed as the Democratic presidential nominee after Biden withdrew his candidacy.

2024: Biden Wins Democratic Nomination

In 2024, Biden won 15 of 16 primaries on Super Tuesday. On March 6, Phillips suspended his campaign and endorsed Biden. On March 12, Biden reached more than the 1,968 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination, becoming the presumptive nominee.

2024: Biden's Reelection Campaign

Throughout 2024, Biden campaigned for reelection, promoting higher economic growth and recovery and stating his intention to "finish the job".

January 9, 2025: Biden eulogizes Jimmy Carter

On January 9, 2025, Joe Biden delivered the eulogy at Jimmy Carter's funeral.

January 20, 2025: End of Biden's Term

On January 20, 2025, Biden's term ended upon Trump's second inauguration.

February 7, 2025: Trump Revokes Biden's Security Clearance

On February 7, 2025, Donald Trump revoked Biden's security clearance, ending his access to classified information.

April 15, 2025: Biden Criticizes Trump Administration at ACRD Conference

On April 15, 2025, Biden made his first major public appearance since leaving office, delivering remarks at an Advocates, Counselors and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago. In his address, he criticized the Trump administration's handling of the Social Security Administration.