Should You Skip College to Build Your Business?

If you’re a young entrepreneur with a big business idea, you might be asking yourself, “Is college really necessary?” Skipping school and jumping straight into business might seem like an exciting shortcut, but building a successful company without any formal education can be more challenging than it looks. In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of skipping college and why getting that degree might actually be one of the best moves for your future as an entrepreneur.

The Two Biggest Pros of Skipping College (But Why They Might Not Be Enough)

When deciding on college, people often focus on these perks without considering the bigger picture.

1. No Student Debt

College can be expensive, and not having student loans means more money for your business. But money isn’t the only factor to a successful startup (think passion, discipline, advertising, and more). Instead, consider scholarships and smart budgeting to help you avoid or reduce school debt.

2. More Time to Work on Your Business

If you skip college, you can get right into building your business—but that doesn’t guarantee success. Many startups fail because they don’t do enough customer research, struggle with marketing, or lack the right connections. Funny enough, college can actually help with all of that.

7 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Skip College

Here are all the reasons why going to college can help you build an exciting business.

1. Business Education and Skills

College offers tons of courses in marketing, finance, and management. These are key skills for running a profitable company. A lot of entrepreneurs major in business or similar fields before launching their venture, giving them a chance to learn and make mistakes in a low-risk environment.

2. Networking Opportunities in College Are Invaluable

College gives you a chance to network with people who can help you grow your business, like professors, mentors, and other student entrepreneurs. You’ll learn from experts who have taught top business courses, mentored founders, or even started their own companies.

Startups succeed because of the right connections, and many entrepreneurs meet their business partners in college. Without that environment, you miss out on built-in networking opportunities and access to alumni who could help you down the road.

3. Access to Business Resources (That Would Cost Thousands on Your Own)

One of the best parts about college is all the free resources you get access to. Many schools have business clubs, startup labs, funding competitions, and even free legal support. These are resources that can help you build your business while still having a safety net. If things don’t work out, you can try again without losing a ton of money.

Without college, you’d have to pay for business courses, software, legal advice, and co-working spaces out of pocket, which can get expensive fast.

4. Credibility From Customers, Clients, and Partners

A college degree can make clients and investors take you more seriously. In some industries, like finance or healthcare, having that specialized knowledge is expected. A degree can show that you know your industry and have the experience to back it up.

5. Access to Internships and Hands-On Experience

Numerous college programs offer internships and co-op opportunities that give you hands-on experience in the industry you want to break into. You’ll get to make valuable connections, see how businesses really run behind the scenes, and still have the flexibility to work on your own business at the same time.

6. College Teaches Discipline and Work Ethic

College pushes you to manage your time, stay disciplined to study for exams, lead group projects, and sharpen your communication skills through presentations. It helps you build structure, confidence, and accountability, which are traits that can set you up for a lucrative business.

7. Exposure to Different Perspectives and Ideas

The people you meet can make a huge difference in your business success. College puts you around all kinds of people with different backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Talking to them can give you fresh insights, help you see things in new ways, and even inspire your next big business idea.

Final Verdict: Should You Go to College?

If you have a great business idea, should you go to college? Absolutely, you should! College provides networking, education, credibility, and resources that can help you achieve long-term success. Rather than seeing it as something in the way, think of it as a tool that connects you with the right people and gives you the knowledge to grow your business. The best entrepreneurs are lifelong learners, and college is one of the best places to build that foundation.

Interested in how the Kantner Foundation helps future business leaders? Click here to explore our college scholarships for high school students.