Most Successful Entrepreneurs Who Did not Go to College

Education is an integral part of life. But not having it does not mean you are totally hopeless either. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs that have made their mark and are earning staggering millions are college drop-outs.

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, as shown in the 1999 movie, Pirates of the Silicon Valley, are two famous people who did not go to college but are now giants in the world of computers. Coco Chanel, the name behind the perfume Chanel No.5, was raised and taught by nuns.

Simon Cowell, dropped out of college at the age of 16. He first worked as a mail room clerk at his father’s company at EMI Music Publishing. He became an A&R executive assistant and then got promoted as a talent scout. He formed E&S Music and created several hits. After he left by mutual agreement, he formed an independent label named Fanfare Records. But the company failed and Simon Cowell faced a serious financial trouble. That did not stop him from pursuing another career however. He became a consultant at BMG Records, where he managed successful acts that sold more than 150 million records and 70 singles, which topped the charts in both the UK and the U.S. It was in 2002 that American Idol started. He was one of the judges along with Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. He was earning $40 million a year when he renewed his contract with American Idol in 2006 for five more seasons.

All these undergraduates are epic examples of success. It must be noted, however, that their accomplishments did come as a result of them being a college drop-out, but rather because of their talent and hard work.