Where Did Elon Musk Go to College?

Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink, is one of the most talked‑about figures in the tech and finance world.

This is especially true after recent controversies involving Elon Musk’s influence in government education policy, his leadership role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and widespread debates over misinformation on X (formerly Twitter).

But before he became a household name and the world’s richest person (at times), Musk was a student navigating college life just like many others.

Key takeaways

• Elon Musk attended Queen’s University in Canada before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania
• He earned two bachelor's degrees: one in Physics and one in Economics (Wharton)
• Musk briefly enrolled in a Stanford Ph.D. program but left to pursue business opportunities

Early education and move to North America

Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1971. As a child, he attended Waterkloof House Preparatory School, a private preparatory institution.

He later enrolled at Pretoria Boys High School, a public but academically competitive English-medium school. He was known for his interest in computers and taught himself programming at an early age.

In 1989, at age 17, Musk moved to Canada, partly to avoid compulsory military service in South Africa and to gain easier entry into the United States.

In recent years, Musk’s upbringing and early education in South Africa have come under renewed scrutiny as part of broader conversations about privilege, apartheid-era legacies, and his often controversial public statements.

These early years have become a topic of discussion in global education forums, analyzing how early STEM exposure shaped Musk’s engineering mindset.

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Undergraduate years at Queen’s University

Musk enrolled at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, in 1989. He studied there for two years and said the school provided valuable early exposure to North American academics and opportunities. He also met fellow student Justine Wilson, whom he later married.

In light of Musk’s involvement in polarizing topics, from his handling of X (formerly Twitter) to labor disputes, some Queen’s University alumni have voiced mixed reactions about their association with him.

However, the institution has not issued any official statement distancing itself.

As of 2025, Queen’s University has continued listing Musk among notable alumni, though some internal faculty discussions have surfaced regarding potential reputational risks.

Transferring to the University of Pennsylvania

In 1992, Musk transferred to the University of Pennsylvania. He earned two bachelor's degrees:

• A Bachelor of Arts in Physics from the College of Arts and Sciences
• A Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School

During his time at Penn, Musk reportedly pursued small entrepreneurial projects, including renting out a house for student events, although such stories are largely anecdotal.

The University of Pennsylvania has remained relatively silent on Musk’s public controversies, although student groups and some faculty have been increasingly vocal in questioning the continued celebration of Musk as an alumnus.

Critics cite his controversial stances on free speech, AI risks, and COVID-19 policies, which have sparked widespread media debates.

In 2023, Penn student newspapers published op-eds calling for a reevaluation of Musk’s honorary affiliations and invited speaker status.

As of mid-2025, no official action has been taken, though petitions and opinion columns continue to circulate.

TuitionHero Fun Fact

Elon Musk completed both of his undergraduate degrees at the University of Pennsylvania in 1997.

Skipping Stanford to chase startups

In 1995, Musk was accepted into a Ph.D. program in applied physics and materials science at Stanford University. But here’s the twist: he dropped out after just two days.

Why? The internet was booming, and Musk wanted to pursue real-world opportunities. That decision led directly to the creation of Zip2, the startup he co-founded that launched his billionaire journey.

Interestingly, Stanford University doesn’t heavily promote its brief connection to Musk, a choice some speculate may be strategic given the controversies surrounding him.

Stanford professors have since debated Musk’s departure in discussions around “opportunity cost” vs. academic commitment in tech career paths.

This narrative is often used in thought pieces discussing the value of elite graduate programs versus entrepreneurial risk-taking in the tech industry.

The role of formal education in Musk’s career

Musk’s academic background in physics and economics has been referenced in connection with his work in fields like:

• Aerospace
• Renewable energy
• Software

However, he has publicly emphasized the importance of self-learning, experimentation, and real-world problem-solving in both his own life and hiring practices.

Though he doesn't have any graduate degrees, his undergraduate education in both technical and business disciplines was crucial to establishing his early career.

Musk has become a vocal critic of traditional higher education, frequently stating that college is more about “fun” than learning. This has fueled ongoing debates about the value of elite academic credentials in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Musk has also criticized MBA programs for “teaching the wrong lessons” and often hires employees without college degrees, especially in engineering and AI.

His educational philosophy aligns with a growing “learn by doing” movement challenging conventional college pathways.

In interviews, Musk has said that “colleges are for entertainment, not learning,” and has called for sweeping reforms in U.S. education standards, especially at the university level.

As part of his advisory role in DOGE, he advocated for reduced federal funding to underperforming institutions and encouraged alternative credentialing platforms.

Where do Elon Musk's kids go to school?

Elon Musk’s children, particularly his son X Æ A-12 (often called “X”), have sparked curiosity around non-traditional education.

Musk has famously created his own experimental school, Astra Nova, to educate his children and others in a highly customized, hands-on environment.

The school doesn’t follow traditional grade levels or standardized curricula, which aligns with Musk's view that conventional education systems are obsolete.

Astra Nova School has attracted global attention for its unique model and connection to Musk’s philosophies on learning, AI, and innovation.

This personalized approach has been both praised and criticized, particularly as the tech billionaire continues to wield growing influence in fields ranging from social media to artificial intelligence.

Astra Nova has since expanded its offerings, with online-only cohorts attracting elite families, ed-tech investors, and alternative school advocates worldwide.

Critics argue that the model lacks transparency, while supporters praise its focus on logic, ethics, and gamified problem-solving.

Astra Nova’s 2025 online curriculum now includes “Leadership Through Logic,” a flagship course inspired by Musk’s decision-making frameworks.

The school has also introduced new partnerships with global tutoring networks and experimental AI co-teachers, drawing attention from mainstream media and education reform advocates alike.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Did Elon Musk graduate from college?

Yes. He earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania—one in Physics and one in Economics.

Where did Elon Musk start college?

He began his undergraduate education at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.

Why did Elon Musk transfer colleges?

He transferred to the University of Pennsylvania after two years to pursue broader academic and entrepreneurial opportunities in the U.S.

Did Elon Musk attend Stanford?

He was accepted to a Ph.D. program at Stanford in 1995 but left after two days to start his first company.

Does Elon Musk have a graduate degree?

No. Musk has no advanced degrees, although he was briefly enrolled in a Stanford Ph.D. program.

What did Elon Musk study in college?

He studied Physics and Economics, earning dual degrees from UPenn.

What is Elon Musk’s stance on online education?

Musk is a strong supporter of online and self-directed learning and has publicly stated that “you can learn anything for free” on the internet if you’re motivated.

He has also voiced support for AI-assisted tutoring models and decentralized education platforms.

What is Astra Nova and how does it differ from traditional schools?

Astra Nova is an experimental school founded by Musk that prioritizes logic puzzles, simulations, and real-world decision-making over standardized testing or traditional homework.

Its curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, systems design, and ethical dilemmas, with no fixed class structure.

Final thoughts

Elon Musk’s education spans multiple countries and institutions, beginning in South African prep schools and ending with dual degrees from an Ivy League university.

Though he didn’t complete graduate studies, his academic journey provided him with both technical knowledge and business training.

For readers curious about how education shapes professional trajectories, Musk’s case highlights a blend of formal study and independent action, and the many different paths students can take to shape their careers.

Whether you're an aspiring engineer, entrepreneur, or policy reformer, Musk's educational legacy poses important questions about the future of learning, the relevance of Ivy League credentials, and the evolving relationship between tech and academia.

Source

• Elon Musk - Wikipedia
• Astra Nova School - Wikipedia
• Federal Register: Establishing and Implementing the President's "Department of Government Efficiency"
• DOGE reps will fan out across the government - POLITICO
• Why Innovators Hate MBAs - Stanford Technology Ventures Program