Elon Musk has called college education “overrated,” highlighting that many people end up with large debts without gaining useful skills. He believes that success doesn’t always depend on having a four-year degree and that there are other ways to achieve goals and find fulfillment.
According to Musk, while college can offer benefits for some, it isn’t the only path to success. Many individuals, he points out, are burdened with student loans and still lack the practical skills needed for the real world. Musk suggests that instead of focusing only on degrees, people should look at other ways to gain knowledge and experience, such as hands-on learning, internships, or starting their own projects. He has often mentioned that some of the best talent he has hired didn’t necessarily have college degrees.
Musk’s own career reflects this belief. Despite attending college, he dropped out of a Ph.D. program and still went on to build hugely successful companies like Tesla and SpaceX. His focus has always been more on skills, creativity, and problem-solving, rather than formal education.
In his view, success comes from the ability to think critically, work hard, and learn continuously. Whether through traditional education or other means, Musk encourages people to find what works best for them and not feel pressured to follow the standard college route if it doesn’t align with their goals.
