Honey Boo Boo's College Journey: Everything To Know About Alana Thompson's Life As A Neonatal Nursing Student In Denver

Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson has successfully transitioned from a reality TV child star to a dedicated college student, a major life change that has captivated fans who watched her grow up on screen. As of December 2025, the 20-year-old is no longer the pageant queen with a catchphrase, but a serious young woman pursuing a demanding career in healthcare. The question on everyone's mind—"Where does Honey Boo Boo go to college?"—has a definitive answer that speaks volumes about her ambition and focus.

The former Toddlers & Tiaras star packed her bags and moved across the country from her home state of Georgia to pursue higher education in Colorado. She is currently deep into her studies, aiming for a degree that will allow her to work in a highly specialized and vital medical field. Her journey highlights a remarkable personal transformation, demonstrating a strong commitment to forging her own path away from the constant glare of reality television cameras.

Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson: A Full Biography Profile

Alana Thompson, known universally by her childhood nickname "Honey Boo Boo," rose to prominence in the early 2010s. Her boisterous personality and memorable one-liners made her an instant cultural phenomenon, leading to a sprawling reality television career that has spanned over a decade. Her life has been documented extensively, from beauty pageants to major family crises.

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• Full Name: Alana Frances Thompson
• Date of Birth: August 28, 2005
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 20 years old
• Birthplace: McIntyre, Georgia, USA
• Parents: June "Mama June" Shannon
• Siblings: Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell (deceased), Jessica "Chubbs" Shannon, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird (her primary guardian)
• Partner: Dralin Carswell
• Education: Graduated from high school in May 2024. Currently attending college in Denver, Colorado.
• Notable Reality TV Appearances:
  • Toddlers & Tiaras (2012)
  • Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (2012–2014)
  • Dancing with the Stars: Juniors (2018)
  • Mama June: From Not to Hot/Family Crisis (2017–Present)

The Surprising College Location: Alana Thompson Heads West to Denver

The biggest update in Alana Thompson's life is her commitment to higher education, which required a significant move. The reality star chose a university far from her Georgia roots, relocating to the Rocky Mountain state of Colorado. This decision marked a deliberate step toward independence and a focus on her future career, a move that was heavily documented on her family's reality show, Mama June: Family Crisis.

Regis University: The Institution of Choice

Alana Thompson is officially enrolled at Regis University, a private Jesuit university located in Denver, Colorado. This choice was a surprise to many, as it is a highly-regarded institution with a strong emphasis on academic rigor and service.

Thompson's decision was reportedly based on the quality of the academic programs offered. She revealed that she specifically chose the school because it boasts "one of the best nursing programs ever." Furthermore, her academic aptitude was recognized with a substantial financial award, as she received a notable $21,000 scholarship to attend the university.

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The move to Denver was a major logistical undertaking, not just for Alana, but for her support system. Her older sister and legal guardian, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird, helped facilitate the transition. Alana's long-time boyfriend, Dralin Carswell, also relocated to Denver to be with her, further solidifying her new life away from the family drama that often characterized her childhood.

Alana's Ambitious Major: Becoming a Neonatal Nurse

Alana Thompson is not just taking general education courses; she is pursuing a highly specialized and challenging degree in nursing. Her chosen field is a testament to her maturity and desire to make a meaningful impact in the world.

The Loretto Heights School of Nursing

Alana is specifically enrolled in the Loretto Heights School of Nursing at Regis University. This program is known for its competitive nature and high standards, which speaks volumes about Alana's academic commitment. Her ultimate career goal is to become a neonatal nurse.

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• Major: Nursing (BSN)
• Specialization Goal: Neonatal Nursing (NICU)
• Current Status (Dec 2025): She is currently in her second or third year, having started in the Fall of 2024.

A neonatal nurse provides care for newborn infants, particularly those who are born prematurely or with life-threatening illnesses. This specialty requires immense compassion, precision, and dedication—qualities that Alana is clearly determined to cultivate. Her interest in the medical field, and specifically the care of vulnerable infants, showcases a profound shift from the world of glitz, glamour, and reality TV drama.

Life in Denver: Balancing College, Career, and Personal Growth

Moving to Denver has allowed Alana Thompson to step out of the shadow of her family's fame and focus on her education. Her life as a college student involves a rigorous schedule of classes, clinical rotations, and studying for her nursing degree. This new routine is a stark contrast to the chaotic environment often depicted on her reality shows, which has been a source of stability and personal growth.

The Reality of College Life

Unlike many celebrity children, Alana is reportedly living a relatively normal college life, focusing on her studies and embracing the independence that comes with moving away from home. Her decision to pursue a career that involves intensive education and long hours suggests a long-term vision that supersedes her past as a reality TV personality.

Her family, particularly her sister "Pumpkin," has publicly expressed pride in Alana's commitment to her future. This support has been crucial in helping her maintain focus despite the occasional public scrutiny that still follows her. The shift from "Honey Boo Boo" to "Alana Thompson, nursing student" is a narrative of redemption and personal achievement that resonates with fans and critics alike.

Topical Entities & LSI Keywords:

• Regis University Denver
• Loretto Heights School of Nursing
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Alana Thompson scholarship
• Mama June Shannon
• Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird
• Dralin Carswell
• Toddlers & Tiaras
• Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
• Mama June: Family Crisis
• Georgia to Colorado move
• Nursing school requirements
• College-bound reality star
• Alana Thompson education update

In conclusion, Alana Thompson's college journey is a powerful example of a young person taking control of her narrative. She is not just "Honey Boo Boo" anymore; she is a determined Regis University nursing student, dedicated to her goal of becoming a neonatal nurse. Her enrollment in Denver, Colorado, and her commitment to a demanding medical field prove that her future is far brighter than her past, solidifying her transformation from a child star into an ambitious young adult.