3 answers
George Henry
Student
Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
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College vs start up, which makes more sense?
What is everyone’s opinion about a traditional college experience rather than starting the business I know I want now? Trying to justify spending $120,000 for four years at a state college instead of using that money for starting my business. #Fall25
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3 answers
Rebecca Aidoo
Fashion specialists
20
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
This is a really important question, and it’s great that you’re thinking about it early. Both college and launching a startup can be valuable paths — the key is understanding what you need most right now to achieve your goals.
A traditional college experience offers more than just classes; it provides a structured environment to learn critical skills like finance, leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. You’ll also gain access to networks, mentors, and internship opportunities that can open doors later when your business grows. Those connections and the credibility of a degree can make fundraising or partnership opportunities easier down the road.
On the other hand, starting a business gives you hands-on experience and teaches lessons you won’t always find in textbooks — like resilience, adaptability, and real-world problem-solving. However, launching a startup without a solid foundation or safety net can be risky, especially if you’re still building financial literacy or business management skills.
You don’t necessarily have to choose one over the other. Many successful entrepreneurs use college as a launchpad — testing their business ideas while studying, building networks, and learning from professors and peers. Think of college not just as an expense, but as an investment in your long-term growth and your company’s future success.
Ultimately, the best path depends on your readiness, risk tolerance, and access to mentorship or capital. Ask yourself: Do I have the knowledge, discipline, and network to sustain my business now, or would college help me build those first?
A traditional college experience offers more than just classes; it provides a structured environment to learn critical skills like finance, leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. You’ll also gain access to networks, mentors, and internship opportunities that can open doors later when your business grows. Those connections and the credibility of a degree can make fundraising or partnership opportunities easier down the road.
On the other hand, starting a business gives you hands-on experience and teaches lessons you won’t always find in textbooks — like resilience, adaptability, and real-world problem-solving. However, launching a startup without a solid foundation or safety net can be risky, especially if you’re still building financial literacy or business management skills.
You don’t necessarily have to choose one over the other. Many successful entrepreneurs use college as a launchpad — testing their business ideas while studying, building networks, and learning from professors and peers. Think of college not just as an expense, but as an investment in your long-term growth and your company’s future success.
Ultimately, the best path depends on your readiness, risk tolerance, and access to mentorship or capital. Ask yourself: Do I have the knowledge, discipline, and network to sustain my business now, or would college help me build those first?
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi George Henry. Both paths (College and Start up) have benefits, but they also have risks. College gives you learning, skills, and connections, while starting a business lets you follow your ideas right away. To make the best choice, it helps to think about your long-term goals, your personality, and your financial situation.
One major benefit of college is learning important skills. Even if you want to start a business, college can teach you things like marketing, finance, management, and communication, which are all useful for running a company. College also helps you think critically and solve problems, which is important when making business decisions. Plus, being exposed to new ideas, people, and experiences can give you inspiration and help you see your business in new ways. Spending four years learning and growing can make you better prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
College also provides networking and mentorship opportunities. You'll meet professors, classmates, and alumni who can guide you, share resources, or introduce you to people who can help your business.
Starting your business now has the advantage of real-world experience. You'll learn by doing, test your ideas immediately, and potentially grow your company faster. If you are disciplined and confident in your business plan, starting early can be a big benefit. But it comes with risks, your business might fail, and without a college degree, it could be harder to recover financially or get another job if needed.
A middle option is also possible. Some entrepreneurs start their business while in college, during summers or part-time. This lets you gain skills, make connections, and still work on your idea. It reduces risk while still letting you follow your passion.
One major benefit of college is learning important skills. Even if you want to start a business, college can teach you things like marketing, finance, management, and communication, which are all useful for running a company. College also helps you think critically and solve problems, which is important when making business decisions. Plus, being exposed to new ideas, people, and experiences can give you inspiration and help you see your business in new ways. Spending four years learning and growing can make you better prepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship.
College also provides networking and mentorship opportunities. You'll meet professors, classmates, and alumni who can guide you, share resources, or introduce you to people who can help your business.
Starting your business now has the advantage of real-world experience. You'll learn by doing, test your ideas immediately, and potentially grow your company faster. If you are disciplined and confident in your business plan, starting early can be a big benefit. But it comes with risks, your business might fail, and without a college degree, it could be harder to recover financially or get another job if needed.
A middle option is also possible. Some entrepreneurs start their business while in college, during summers or part-time. This lets you gain skills, make connections, and still work on your idea. It reduces risk while still letting you follow your passion.
Fehmi Sami
2
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Fehmi’s Answer
College experience prepares you to evolve more far reaching ideas for a startup. It also provides opportunities for you to get financial and skills partners.
On the other hand if you are absolutely certain that you have an idea and unique skills to develop as a startup then go for it. But remember that what you spend has a high risk of non recovery if it fails. Whereas a college experience creates job opportunities as a fallback
On the other hand if you are absolutely certain that you have an idea and unique skills to develop as a startup then go for it. But remember that what you spend has a high risk of non recovery if it fails. Whereas a college experience creates job opportunities as a fallback