Did Simone Biles go to college? Here's what you should know
I enrolled at the University of the People because I believe in higher education and want to help make that opportunity available to others around the world.
For those asking, "Did Simone Biles go to college?", this statement shows that she attended college, albeit online, to study business administration. Considering her demanding gymnastics career, this choice was convenient for her, but it remains unclear whether she officially graduated.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- In 2018, Simone Biles joined the University of People's online business administration program.
- Simone Biles forfeited her chance to join the University of Los Angeles, California (UCLA) to pursue gymnastics professionally.
- Simone Biles was conferred with an honorary degree by Washington University.
- Biles began her education at Benfer Elementary School but switched to homeschooling to dedicate more hours to training.
- Simone Biles is the global ambassador of the University of the People and also launched the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund to help others achieve their educational goals.
Simone Biles’ profile summary
| Full name | Simone Arianne Biles Owens |
| Place of birth | Columbus, Ohio, United States |
| Date of birth | March 14, 1997 |
| Age | 28 (as of August 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicty | Black |
| Height in metres | 1.42 |
| Height in feet and inches | 4’8” |
| Weight in kilograms | 47 |
| Weight in pounds | 100 |
| School | Benfer Elementary School, University of People |
| Father | Kelvin Clemons |
| Mother | Shannon Biles |
| Siblings | Ronald Jr., Adam, Adria, Ashley, Tevin |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Husband | Jonathan Owens |
| Profession | Gymnast |
| @simonebiles | |
| X | @Simone_Biles |
| Simone Biles |
Did Simone Biles go to college?
In 2018, Simone Biles enrolled at the University of the People to pursue a degree in business administration. For a professional athlete with multiple engagements, this online program was accommodating to her schedule. Additionally, she was fulfilling her dream of pursuing higher education.
Going to college was my goal, but I dedicated myself fully to gymnastics, which meant I could not pursue higher education at the time. That said, getting a degree remains important, and the University of the People has given me the flexibility to balance my studies and career.
Furthermore, she was inspired by her family background, which had a family business. Her mother and brother excelled academically and want to emulate this. However, it remains unclear whether she has completed her program.
In addition to being a student, she serves as the university’s global ambassador and launched the Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund to help others achieve their educational goals.
As a foster child, I know what it feels like to have the odds stacked against you, so this scholarship is for foster kids and others. No one’s goals should be limited by their circumstances, and I want to help remove the barriers that keep a college degree out of reach for those who aspire to earn one.
Did Simone Biles get a scholarship to UCLA?
No, Simone Biles did not get a scholarship to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In 2014, she signed a letter of intent to attend the school. However, with the 2016 Olympics on the horizon, she decided to become a full-time gymnast, foregoing her NCAA eligibility and joining UCLA.
While I am grateful for the opportunity to compete collegiately, I feel that the chance to make my dream come true is right in front of me.
Source: Getty Images
Was Simone Biles homeschooled?
At the beginning of her educational pursuits, Simone Biles attended Benfer Elementary School in Harris County. She split her time between her studies and her gymnastics career.
In 2012, she decided to increase her training hours from 20 to 32, which led to her switching to homeschooling. She described her experience to the Wall Street Journal.
I was homeschooled, so I did not hang out with friends or attend school dances. But I also feel like at the end of the day, I travelled and represented the country, so I do not think I have missed out on too much.”
FAQs
- Will Simone Biles go to college? Simone Biles joined the University of the People.
- What did Simone Biles study in college? Simone Biles studied business administration.
- When did Simone Biles start gymnastics? Simone Biles began training in gymnastics at the age of six.
- Does Simon Biles have a degree? Simone Biles got an honorary degree from Washington University.
- Was Simone Biles committed to UCLA? Yes, in August 2014, Simone Biles signed a letter of intent to join the university.
- Does Simone Biles have a PhD? No, Simone Biles does not have a PhD.
- What learning disability does Simone Biles have? Simone Biles was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
- Does Simone Biles have a baby? No, Simone Biles does not have a child.
Final word
Did Simone Biles go to college? The most decorated gymnast took an unconventional path to higher education. After ditching UCLA to pursue professional gymnastics, she later joined an online university to fulfil her childhood dream of getting higher education.
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