While most billionaires do have their college degrees, there are a handful who dropped out – usually to found the company that made them a billionaire. About 32% of today's billionaires did not graduate from college. Of those who did, three times as many billionaires have degrees in the Arts than those who have degrees in Math, Finance, or Science. Now, we normally would not advocate for dropping out of college, except, well, these nine billionaires prove that not having a degree didn't stop them from becoming some of the wealthiest men in the world. That said, dropping out of school was not what made these men billionaires. A big idea, hard work, ambition, dedication, and passion is what made them billionaires.
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Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren, a name synonymous with luxury fashion, dropped out of Baruch College at The City College of New York. His journey began with a simple collection of men's neckties, leading to the creation of a globally recognized brand. With a net worth of $8.2 billion, Lauren's success is a testament to the power of creativity and entrepreneurship.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ralph Lauren |
| Dropped Out Of | Baruch College |
| Source of Wealth | Fashion Designer |
| Net Worth | $8.2 Billion |
Jan Koum
Jan Koum, co-founder of WhatsApp, dropped out of San Jose State University. Immigrating from Ukraine at 16, he faced numerous challenges but never lost sight of his goals. With a net worth of $10 billion, Koum's story illustrates the impact of hard work and determination.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Jan Koum |
| Dropped Out Of | San Jose State University |
| Source of Wealth | |
| Net Worth | $10 Billion |
Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, the mastermind behind Facebook, famously dropped out of Harvard. He launched the platform directly from his dorm room, changing the world of social media forever. With a net worth of $50 billion, Zuckerberg's journey emphasizes the importance of innovation and seizing opportunities.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Mark Zuckerberg |
| Dropped Out Of | Harvard |
| Source of Wealth | |
| Net Worth | $50 Billion |
Ted Turner
Ted Turner, the founder of Turner Broadcasting, was expelled from Brown University. Despite this setback, he went on to become a billionaire with a net worth of $2.2 billion. Turner's story highlights the idea that perseverance can lead to success, regardless of educational background.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Ted Turner |
| Dropped Out Of | Brown University |
| Source of Wealth | Turner Broadcasting |
| Net Worth | $2.2 Billion |
David Geffen
David Geffen, the founder of Geffen Records, dropped out of the University of Texas. His career in the entertainment industry showcases that passion and talent can often outweigh formal education. With a net worth of $6.9 billion, Geffen's success story is a powerful reminder of following one's dreams.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | David Geffen |
| Dropped Out Of | University of Texas |
| Source of Wealth | Geffen Records |
| Net Worth | $6.9 Billion |
Michael Dell
Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Computers, dropped out of the University of Texas. Initially studying biology, he discovered his passion for technology early on. With a net worth of $37 billion, Dell's journey exemplifies how following one's true interests can lead to remarkable success.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Michael Dell |
| Dropped Out Of | University of Texas |
| Source of Wealth | Dell Computers |
| Net Worth | $37 Billion |
Larry Ellison
Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, dropped out of both the University of Illinois and the University of Chicago. His journey from humble beginnings to a net worth of $70 billion is a testament to resilience and innovation. Ellison's story inspires many to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Larry Ellison |
| Dropped Out Of | University of Illinois and University of Chicago |
| Source of Wealth | Oracle |
| Net Worth | $70 Billion |
Bill Gates
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, is arguably the most famous college dropout. He left Harvard to pursue his vision, which resulted in a staggering net worth of $107 billion. Gates' story demonstrates how passion and determination can lead to extraordinary
