Justin Bieber’s career started when he was discovered on YouTube at just 13 years old. While his musical career blossomed in his youth, did he ever have the time or plans to go to college?
Justin Bieber did not go to college. He went back and forth on the decision as he was making it, but his musical career and fans remained his priority.
Read on below to learn more about Bieber’s decision not to go to college, as well as other music artists who did not go to college.
Bieber’s College Decision
While many fans express their thoughts that one of Bieber’s former homes looks like it belongs on a futuristic college campus in posts like this one, the star did not end up going to college himself.
Bieber never had a normal high school experience, as he was discovered when he was only 13 years old. His elementary school, Jeanne Suavé Catholic School, was a French-language immersion school in Stratford, and he went to St. Michael Catholic Secondary School for middle school.
Both schools were in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario. Three years after his discovery, college seemed like a definite possibility and something he was thinking about. “I want to go to college. As Asher Roth said, I think college would be a blast.”
Bieber also talked about how he enjoyed English, saying, “I like to write.” Many fans took this as a potential major for the pop and R&B superstar.
In an interview when he was 17 years old, Bieber talked about how college might be something he’s interested in, but it wasn’t his main focus.
“If it’s compatible with my career I could have a shot at it, but at the moment it’s not something I am focusing on. I travel with a tutor at all times but I am not so into school. There are some subjects I really don’t care for, such as maths,” he explained.
Starting as a teen star can be very difficult, but even if he doesn’t go to college, Bieber had a good outlook. “I am going to make mistakes. I am just a normal guy, but I think I have a good head on my shoulders. I’ve got my family around to keep me humble,” he said.
The following year, Bieber spoke again on the subject of college after graduating from high school, which he was homeschooled through by his tutors.
“I’m interested in many different things–I definitely would see myself taking like a class if I’m interested in that subject… I couldn’t see myself going to an actual college, but I definitely could see myself taking something that I was interested in,” he said.
He never did end up going to college, instead focusing on his music and career. Despite not attending college, he and Ariana Grande teamed up on their new single “Stuck With U” and are using all of the song’s proceeds to fund college scholarships for the children of first responders who are helping others get through the coronavirus pandemic.
Check out the YouTube video below to watch Justin Bieber talk about his college plans in a 2012 interview.
Rise to Fame
For many other celebrities like Bieber, especially stars who gained popularity as children, college was not their best option. Who are some other famous singers or actors who didn’t go to college?
Katy Perry finished high school early, getting all of her requirements done and earning her GED at only 15 years old. From there, she became a popular singer and songwriter, eventually becoming one of the most popular pop artists in the world.
Beyoncé is another world-famous artist who did not go to college, dropping out of school when she was 15 to be able to travel full-time with Destiny’s Child. Now, she’s a hugely successful singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress, and businesswoman.