The rising young star received her college diploma Saturday, May 6, from Northeastern St. University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, receiving her degree in mass communications with an emphasis on journalism. Carrie was pursuing a career in journalism before leaving school last year to compete on the American Idol TV show, and had only one semester left to finish her degree. Despite her hectic schedule, Carrie did manage to find time to fulfill her graduation requirements. And though she won American Idol and has sold three million copies of her debut CD One Hearts, Carrie was equally excited about this latest milestone. "Education is really important and it's nice to have that diploma hanging among my awards," Carrie noted.