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Did Morgan Wallen go to college? See how a baseball injury changed his plans and how students can learn from his journey.

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
Ever wondered how Morgan Wallen went from playing baseball in East Tennessee to selling out stadiums? His story didn’t take the usual college route.
Along the way, an injury shifted his focus, he discovered a deep musical side, and he built a career differently than many expect. In this post, we’ll cover whether he went to college, how his path changed, and what students can learn about making big life decisions.
Morgan Wallen’s story didn’t begin under stadium lights or behind a microphone; it started on a baseball field. Growing up in Sneedville, Tennessee, he dreamed of pitching for a college baseball team. But life had other plans.
Here’s the short answer: No, Morgan Wallen didn’t go to college. He planned to, but an unexpected injury changed everything.
Wallen grew up in a small town with big values. His dad was a pastor, and church was where he first learned to sing. At Gibbs High School in Corryton, he was known for his strong pitching arm and his love of sports.
At that point, music wasn’t his focus. Baseball was. But that all changed right before graduation.
No. Wallen’s dream to play college baseball ended his senior year when he injured his elbow. That meant no scholarships and no college team.
What seemed like a setback became a turning point. With sports off the table, he turned to songwriting and guitar, skills that would later shape his entire career.
If your plans change, don’t panic. Explore trade schools, community colleges, or gap-year programs that help you figure out your next step without piling up debt.
After high school, Wallen began performing locally around East Tennessee.
In 2014, he appeared on the TV show The Voice and joined Usher’s team, later Adam Levine’s.
In 2015, he released his debut EP Stand Alone. From there, he signed with a bigger label and released his debut full album in 2018.
Switching focus from sports to music changed his life.
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Year | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
2011 | Graduated high school | Injury ended his baseball route |
2014 | Appeared on The Voice | National exposure |
2015 | Released Stand Alone EP | First major music step |
2018 | Album If I Know Me released | Rise in country music |
2021 | Album Dangerous: The Double Album | Major commercial success |
Morgan Wallen’s story shows that life doesn’t always go as planned, but that doesn’t mean it can’t work out.
Here are a few takeaways for students figuring out their next steps:
If you’re exploring college or alternative paths, visit TuitionHero for tools and guides to help you make smart financial decisions.
At TuitionHero, we help you find the best private student loans by comparing top lenders and breaking down eligibility, interest rates, and repayment options. Whether you need additional funding beyond federal aid or a loan without a cosigner, we simplify the process. We also provide expert insights on refinancing, FAFSA assistance, scholarships, and student credit cards to support your financial success.
No, he never attended college. He focused on music after his baseball injury.
He was being scouted for baseball scholarships before his injury but never signed.
He attended Gibbs High School in Corryton, Tennessee.
No formal training; he learned from church singing and by teaching himself guitar.
Stay flexible. Even when plans fall apart, new opportunities can appear.
Morgan Wallen didn’t take the traditional college route, but that didn’t stop him from finding success. His story proves that sometimes, what feels like a setback is really a redirection.
For students planning their own next steps, whether that’s college or something different, TuitionHero can help you understand your options and make choices that fit your goals.

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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