Vinograd obtained his undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota.  From 1931 to 1933 he studied colloid chemistry with Professor Herbert Freundlich at the University of Berlin, and from 1933 to 1935 continued his studies with Freundlich at University College, London.  In 1936 he went to the University of California, Los Angeles and obtained a Master of Arts degree in organic chemistry with Professor William G. Young.  In 1937 he married Sherna Shalett.  He obtained his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1940 with Professor James W. McBain at Stanford University with research on physical and colloid chemistry.