A total of 145 of 150 CEO's of the top 150 Valley companies are represented. Only two of these CEO's did not earn a college degree.

Larry Ellison and Steve Jobs.

Coincidence? Not likely. Larry and Steve have a lot in common. They are both aggressive, fearless, feared, and billionaires. Besides being brilliant, these guys are born leaders and full of self-confidence. They are also good friends.

When you consider these characteristics, it is not surprising the "collegiate" atmosphere lacked the excitement of the rough and tumble corporate world for Jobs and Ellison.

That being said, many valley CEOs have more than one degree and often have a technical degree. The other Larry and Sergey route if you will. These techie CEOs love the problem solving aspects of running a technology company, and have the ability to apply these technologies to real world requirements.

The article's writer Mark Schwanhausser sums it up best with this statement:

"The reality is that although Grade A, Type A students can succeed no matter where they go to college, attending an elite university can pay off, especially early in one's career."

So good education, top school = "+", but not a guarantee or requirement for huge success. Just ask Steve or Larry.