What Is a College Student Percentile Net Worth?
Percentile net worth shows where a college student stands compared to others in the same age group. For example, the 50th percentile is the median, meaning half of students have less and half have more. The 90th percentile includes the top 10% of students by wealth. These figures usually come from surveys like the Survey of Consumer Finances.
How Student Debt Affects Percentile Net Worth
Student loans reduce net worth because they are subtracted from assets. Many college students have negative net worth due to loans, even if they own a car or have savings. In recent years, the median net worth for under-35 households has often been close to zero or slightly negative, while the top percentiles hold much higher balances.
Where to Find Updated College Student Net Worth Data
Reliable sources include the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances and the Pew Research Center. These reports break down net worth by age, education, and percentile. You can also check the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for tables on household wealth distribution.
