Nicki Minaj raps witty verses with a great mastery of rhyme and language. She has extensive knowledge about writing poetic lyrics and creating hit songs, but does the star have a formal education?
Nicki Minaj did not go to college. The highest level of education she earned is her high school diploma.
Nicki’s education was rather unusual. She went to an atypical high school to receive her GED. The star has expressed that she wishes she went to college.
Nicki’s Unusual High School Education
Nicki did receive her high school diploma, but she did not go to a regular school for her education. Nicki attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts on the Upper West Side in New York City.
LaGuardia is a highly selective school in a very wealthy area, just one block away from Lincoln Center. Nicki had to audition to be accepted for her high school.
The high school has a reputation for excellence. Aside from Nicki, other notable LaGuardia alumni include actors Jennifer Aniston and Ansel Elgort.
LaGuardia High School itself could be considered a movie star. The school was the inspiration for the 1980 movie “Fame,” which uses the school as the setting for its fictional plot.
Nicki credited the high school for making her feel like she fit in. In an interview with Teen Vogue, Nicki explained that attending LaGuardia High School with her creative colleagues was the first time she did not feel like there was something “weird” about her.
Nicki initially wanted to pursue an acting career. She learned both acting and singing at LaGuardia High School, where artistic endeavors are balanced with academics.
Although Nicki loved her high school, the administration would not let her visit in 2014. Nicki wanted to give a speech for students at her alma mater, but the principal turned down her offer.
The principal defended his statement by explaining that Nicki would have visited with an entire MTV film crew on short notice and disrupted the students’ education. Fans were still shocked that the school rejected an opportunity for the famous alumna’s visit.
Nicki Regrets Not Attending College
Although Nicki built an incredibly successful career for herself, she regrets not going to college. She said in an interview that she wished she had the college experience and a degree of her own.
Nicki firmly believes in the importance of education because of the independence it allows. She always encourages her younger cousins as well as her fans to pursue their education so they can be self-reliant.
Nicki uses her voice to promote education and frequently tells her fans to stay in school. She even replies to their tweets saying that they should never skip class for her concerts.
Nicki also explained that she loves when her fans send pictures of their diplomas or report cards. The star said that she gets to live vicariously through their educational success.
Nicki Pays For Fans’ College Education
Nicki is working to ensure that her fans never have to regret a missed educational opportunity like she does. In addition to always encouraging young people to attend college, Nicki goes the extra mile and pays for her fans’ tuition and debt.
In 2018 Nicki selected 37 fans for her “Student of the Game” scholarships. The rapper paid off each winner’s tuition or college loans.
The winners quickly took to social media to express their gratitude for the artist. Many fans tweeted that they had emotional reactions when they found out that their favorite rapper would pay for their education.
However, one of Nicki’s winners did not answer her messages. She tried to contact him for his scholarship but he did not reply.
Ellen actually worked behind the scenes and brought the student onto her show. Nicki was able to hand her fan, Jacob, a massive check for $50,000 on TV.
Nicki did not receive a college degree, but she greatly believes in the value of education. The superstar now uses her fame and wealth to encourage her fans to stay in school.