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Last update: February 7, 2025
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Ever wondered if Taylor Swift attended college? Discover how this music icon charted her unique educational path while conquering the charts and earning an honorary doctorate.
By Derick Rodriguez, Associate Editor
Edited by Brian Flaherty, B.A. Economics
Learn more about our editorial standards
By Derick Rodriguez, Associate Editor
Edited by Brian Flaherty, B.A. Economics
Learn more about our editorial standards
Have you ever wondered if Taylor Swift went to college? While many of us spent our late teens buried in textbooks and attending lectures, Taylor was already taking the music world by storm. Let's dive into her unconventional educational journey and see how she balanced school with her skyrocketing career.
At 13, most of us are starting high school, but Taylor Swift was already heading to Nashville to pursue a music career. She attended Hendersonville High School in Tennessee for two years. Can you imagine juggling high school and a budding music career?
As her career started to take off, Taylor needed a more flexible schedule. She switched to the homeschooling program of Aaron Academy, a private Christian school. Picture doing your homework on the floors of airport terminals or in hotel rooms between performances—that was Taylor's reality.
Despite the whirlwind of tours and recording sessions, Taylor was determined to finish high school. She often completed assignments on the go, showing incredible dedication. It's not every day you hear about a teenager balancing chart-topping hits with algebra homework!
In 2006, at just 16, Taylor released her self-titled debut album. It wasn't long before she became a household name in the country music scene. Skipping college didn't hold her back—if anything, it propelled her career forward.
Taylor Swift is the only female artist to win the Grammy for Album of the Year three times.
Fast forward to 2022, Taylor received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from New York University. And while Taylor may not have had a traditional college experience, she was still able to share a few life lessons from her non-conventional journey:
“Life can be heavy, especially if you try to carry it all at once. Part of growing up and moving into new chapters of your life is about catch and release… You can’t carry all things, all grudges, all updates on your ex, all enviable promotions your school bully got at the hedge fund his uncle started. Decide what is yours to hold and let the rest go.”
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Compare RatesInterestingly, Taylor's influence has permeated academic circles. Her music has become the subject of college courses at institutions like Stanford University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Carnegie Mellon University. Who would've thought her lyrics would be analyzed in university classrooms?
While Taylor Swift didn't follow the traditional college path, she values education highly. In her NYU commencement speech, she encouraged graduates to embrace life's uncertainties and to keep learning:
"I hope you know how proud I am to share this day with you... we're doing this together. So let's just keep dancing like we're... the class of '22."
Her perspective highlights that education isn't confined to the classroom—it's a lifelong journey.
Not everyone follows a traditional college path—just look at Taylor Swift. Whether you're pursuing a degree or an alternative route, TuitionHero helps you navigate student loans, scholarships, and financial planning to support your journey. Explore your options today!
While Taylor hasn't publicly detailed plans to attend college traditionally, she has expressed appreciation for education and has received an honorary degree from NYU.
Homeschooling provided the flexibility Taylor needed. She could complete coursework while touring, which allowed her to focus on her music without sacrificing her education.
Taylor hasn't taught college courses herself, but her work has been the subject of academic studies and classes focusing on her lyrical content and cultural impact.
Taylor Swift's educational path is anything but ordinary. She may not have attended college, but her dedication to learning and her immense contributions to the arts have earned her academic recognition. Her journey reminds us that education isn't one-size-fits-all and that passion can lead to extraordinary achievements.
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.
Brian Flaherty
Brian is a graduate of the University of Virginia where he earned a B.A. in Economics. After graduation, Brian spent four years working at a wealth management firm advising high-net-worth investors and institutions. During his time there, he passed the rigorous Series 65 exam and rose to a high-level strategy position.
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