Ellen DeGeneres

In the last few decades, more and more people are going to college to further their education. It's hard to become a scientist, a professor, or a businessperson without getting some sort of college degree--but college isn't always necessary to achieve success. Some people are ready to enter the workforce right after high school. Ellen DeGeneres was one of those people. The comedian began her career doing stand-up routines in New Orleans coffee houses. Today, Ellen has one of the most successful talk shows on television and stars in commercials for everything from credit cards to makeup. She's even judged "e;American Idol"e;! And what's most amazing about her story is that the charming talk show host has done it all without a college degree!