Warren Buffett and top CEOs say a college degree doesn’t matter. Here’s what really counts in hiring

Buffett cites successful leaders like the late Pete Liegl, former CEO of Forest River, who managed significant growth without Ivy League credentials, as well as Bill Gates (who dropped out of Harvard) and Ben Rosner (whose formal education ended in sixth grade) as prime examples of how innate ability and operational excellence matter far more than credentials.

Buffett himself attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Wharton, and Columbia, but insists a large amount of business talent is intuitive and nature overpowers nurture. He acknowledges that exceptional managers do sometimes come from elite schools, but argues restricting hiring to high-status educational backgrounds risks overlooking true “natural” talent.

Buffett is widely regarded as one of the greatest investors of all time, having amassed a fortune through his disciplined value investing approach and long-term focus. From humble beginnings, he grew his wealth by managing investment partnerships and famously acquiring the textile company Berkshire Hathaway in the 1960s, transforming it into a diverse holding conglomerate. As of mid-2025, Buffett’s net worth is estimated to have reached the $144 billion to $160 billion range, making him one of the world’s richest individuals. His success is attributed to identifying undervalued businesses that offer compounding returns for decades, and demonstrating integrity and transparency throughout his career. Buffett is also notable for his philanthropy, having pledged to donate the vast majority of his wealth, and influencing generations of investors through his writings and annual shareholder meetings.

Looking beyond credentials

Fortune’s recent coverage of hiring attitudes among prominent business leaders indicates broader agreement with Buffett’s perspective.

Tech leaders like former Google exec Jad Tarifi warn that advanced degrees—once considered vital for career advancement—may be losing value owing to rapid changes in technology and AI in particular. Tarifi contends that success in tomorrow’s workforce will come from “unique perspectives, agency, emotional awareness, and strong human bonds,” not credentials alone.

Mark Zuckerberg, who notably dropped out of Harvard during his sophomore year after successfully launching Facebook with his roommates, has also openly questioned whether college prepares young people for today’s jobs, noting that many impactful contributors in tech have nontraditional backgrounds. The overall sentiment among these leaders is that innovation and operational excellence stem from diverse experiences and continuous learning, rather than the specific school listed on a résumé.

In today’s fast-changing business environment, top companies are increasingly seeking candidates who demonstrate adaptability, creativity, and fresh perspectives, regardless of their educational trajectory. This trend underscores Buffett’s long-held philosophy: that character, capability, and a proven track record are the real drivers of enduring corporate success.

For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing.