As students, especially at Harriton, we are taught that college is the ultimate goal, the mark of success. But what about those who never attended or completed college and have become intensely successful, not to mention wealthy? These innovators cannot be ignored.

Steve Jobs

Perhaps the most widely known college dropout, Steve Jobs set a strong example when he decided not to complete his studies at Reed College. He sat in on multiple creative classes but never received a degree. However, he later went on to create one of America’s most successful companies, Apple. Not only did Jobs co-found such an innovative technology, he also co-founded Pixar Animation Studios. You can thank Jobs and his prematurely ended education not just for your iPhone 6, but also for Finding Dory.

Mark Zuckerberg

Another well-known entrepreneur, Mark Zuckerberg is recognized for his creation of social media network, Facebook. Zuckerberg attended Harvard University but ended up dropping out to pursue the invention of Facebook. It can be assumed he really liked his choice.

Daniel Ek

You may not know who Daniel Ek is, but you definitely know what Spotify is. At age 21, Ek left his studies at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden after attending for only 8 weeks. He created the beloved music app and just a few years later became a millionaire. His intuition proved to be spot on.

David Karp

Another not so famous name behind a famous company is David Karp, creator of social media site, Tumblr. At age 15, Karp dropped out of the prestigious Bronx High School of Science and was homeschooled by his mother. He never did enroll in college, but still found immense success in his career.

Ellen DeGeneres

After deeming herself “not book smart,” DeGeneres abandoned her childhood dreams of becoming a veterinarian but eventually found herself in stand up comedy. She worked her way to her own award winning television talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and a career full of accomplishments. Even without a college degree, DeGeneres’ influence on society is quite substantial. She comments on all types of social issues and uses her status to make a difference.

Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray was pretty much raised in a kitchen so it’s no surprise that she turned food into a career. She was better at working hard and dreaming big than going to school so she left Pace University, where she was studying literature and communications to figure out what she really wanted to do with her life. Today she has written almost two dozen best selling cookbooks, has her own line of olive oil and cookware, and of course her own TV show.

Anna Wintour

Anna Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue is known for her hair style – the stylish bob she has worn since she was 15 – and glamorous oversized sunglasses. She grew up in a wealthy family and decided as a teenager to leave her fancy New York private school and throw herself into the lifestyle she loved. Warning: this is not really recommended for most people. She used her confidence to help secure positions in her desired field and quickly climbed the ladder, landing as Editor in Chief at Vogue, all without even a high school diploma.

Other successful people who didn’t attend/graduate college:

Oprah Winfrey

Michael Dell: founder of Dell

Bill Gates: founder of Microsoft

Disclaimer: This information is not to say that a college education isn’t valuable, but it’s important to note that college is not the only mark of success a person can wear. As a society, we tend to get caught up with prestigious names and titles, but these individuals are the perfect example that greatness can come from anywhere and anyone.