During a 15-minute address, De Niro drew a steady stream of laughter at the private, liberal arts college's campus.
De Niro, who left high school to pursue an acting career, received an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree.
"In many ways, leaving school when I did it was an advantage. I saved nearly $6,000 [Dh22,032] by not having to pay tuition and expenses for four years of education," he said. "I feel a little foolish, because if I had waited until now not to go to college, I could have saved around a quarter of a million." Looking back, he said, "it worked out just fine".
"I saved the money, and I got the degree."
De Niro also offered the graduates some serious advice.
"If you're an actor, always be true to your character," he said. "If you're not an actor, have character and always be true to yourself."
