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Last update: August 4, 2025
3 minutes read
Learn whether Drake went to college, how his early acting career shaped his education, and how he earned his high school diploma while building a global music empire.
By Derick Rodriguez, Associate Editor
Edited by Yerain Abreu, M.S.
Learn more about our editorial standards
By Derick Rodriguez, Associate Editor
Edited by Yerain Abreu, M.S.
Learn more about our editorial standards
Where did Drake go to college? As one of the most successful artists of his generation, fans often wonder about his educational background.
Drake’s journey didn’t include a traditional college path. Instead, he built his career early through acting and music. In this post, we take a closer look at where Drake went to school, why he didn’t attend college, and how education still plays a role in his story.
Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, was raised in Toronto, Ontario. He attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, a public high school in an upper-middle-class neighborhood.
Later, he enrolled at Vaughan Road Academy, a more diverse school where he often spoke about feeling out of place due to his background and budding entertainment career.
Despite his growing passion for the arts, Drake initially followed a standard educational path until opportunity came calling.
At age 15, Drake was cast as Jimmy Brooks in Degrassi: The Next Generation, a Canadian teen drama series. Filming the show full-time conflicted with his academic schedule, and he eventually dropped out of high school to pursue acting.
His role on Degrassi lasted from 2001 to 2009, and during that time, he also began to write and release music, setting the stage for a massive career shift.
Drake left high school at age 15 to act on Degrassi but earned his diploma nearly a decade later.
In 2012, at the age of 25, Drake announced that he had completed his high school diploma. He described the moment as a personal milestone and thanked his teacher via social media for helping him through the process.
Though it wasn't through a traditional classroom, Drake’s return to education symbolized his belief in following through, even years after stepping away.
Drake didn’t enroll in college or university after earning his diploma. By the time he completed high school, he was already an international music star with chart-topping albums and millions of fans.
While college wasn’t necessary for his career trajectory, his decision to go back and finish high school shows he values education, even if achieved through nontraditional means.
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Compare RatesOver the years, Drake has expressed appreciation for learning and has included themes of personal growth, discipline, and perseverance in his music.
He has also funded educational initiatives, including scholarships and donations to schools and universities through his OVO Foundation.
Although he never attended college himself, his actions suggest he understands the importance of education, especially in providing opportunity and stability for others.
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No, Drake did not attend college or university.
Yes. He dropped out at age 15 but completed his high school diploma in 2012.
By the time he finished high school, Drake was already deeply involved in a successful music career and didn’t pursue higher education.
He attended Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and later Vaughan Road Academy in Toronto.
Yes. Drake has funded scholarships and donated to schools through his charitable foundation.
Drake’s educational path may not have included college, but it reflects a familiar narrative for performers who start young and pursue their careers full-time.
From dropping out of high school to earning his diploma years later, his story shows that success can take many forms, and that it’s never too late to complete unfinished goals.
Whether you’re planning a traditional degree or carving out your own path, Drake’s journey highlights the importance of both personal growth and continuous learning.
Derick Rodriguez
Derick Rodriguez is a seasoned editor and digital marketing strategist specializing in demystifying college finance. With over half a decade of experience in the digital realm, Derick has honed a unique skill set that bridges the gap between complex financial concepts and accessible, user-friendly communication. His approach is deeply rooted in leveraging personal experiences and insights to illuminate the nuances of college finance, making it more approachable for students and families.
Yerain Abreu
Yerain Abreu is a Content Strategist with over 7 years of experience. He earned a Master's degree in digital marketing from Zicklin School of Business. He focuses on college finance, a niche carved out of his journey through the complexities of academic finance. These firsthand experiences provide him with a unique perspective, enabling him to create content that's informative and relatable to students and their families grappling with the intricacies of college financing.
At TuitionHero, we're not just passionate about our work - we take immense pride in it. Our dedicated team of writers diligently follows strict editorial standards, ensuring that every piece of content we publish is accurate, current, and highly valuable. We don't just strive for quality; we aim for excellence.
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