The Nuclear Regulatory Commission makes a surprise inspection of the nuclear power plant. When Homer accidentally causes a meltdown during a test in a simulation van, the NRC officials tell Mr. Burns that Homer's job requires university training in nuclear physics. Homer applies to college, but when all applications are rejected Burns gets him accepted to Springfield University.

After Homer causes an accident in his nuclear physics class, his physics professor recommends that he be tutored by three young nerds, Gary, Doug, and Benjamin. Instead, Homer involves them in a prank to kidnap the pig mascot of nearby Springfield A&M. The nerds are caught and expelled from the university by Dean Peterson.

Homer schemes to get the nerds readmitted, but the caper goes awry and Homer runs the Dean over in his car. At the hospital, Homer admits to Peterson that the pig prank was his idea and the kids are allowed to returnto school. When Homer flunks his final exam, the nerds change his grade on the computer to an A+. Marge finds out and tells Homer that he has to take the course over again.