One of the most successful business men in the world, Microsoft founder Bill Gates was a college drop-out - from what university?

Bill Gates, one of the world's most influential business figures and co-founder of Microsoft, began his higher education at Harvard University. He enrolled in 1973, initially exploring pre-law studies while also diving deep into mathematics and computer science courses. While he never officially declared a major, his passion for programming was evident during his time on campus, where he could often be found in the computer lab.

It was during his Harvard years that Gates reconnected with his childhood friend, Paul Allen. A pivotal moment occurred in 1975 when they read an article about the Altair 8800 microcomputer. Recognizing the immense potential of personal computing, the duo decided to develop a BASIC interpreter for the new machine. This ambitious project led Gates to take a leave of absence from Harvard, a decision that ultimately became permanent as he and Allen dedicated themselves fully to their fledgling company, then known as Micro-Soft, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

This unconventional choice to leave one of the world's most prestigious universities proved to be a career-defining moment. Gates's entrepreneurial drive and vision, unconstrained by traditional academic paths, laid the foundation (Review) for Microsoft's unprecedented success and revolutionized the technology landscape. Decades later, in a testament to his global impact, Harvard University awarded Bill Gates an honorary doctorate in 2007, recognizing his extraordinary achievements since his departure.