While most students are busy juggling classes, part-time jobs, and student loans, there are a few who stand out — not because of their academic performance, but because of their immense wealth. Some of these students are heirs to business empires, while others became self-made millionaires or billionaires while still in school. Here’s a look at some of the richest students and the universities they attended:
1. Alexandra Andresen
- Net Worth: Over $1.5 billion
- University: Amsterdam University College
- Background: Norwegian heiress to the Ferd family business empire. She became a billionaire at just 19 years old due to her inherited stake in the company.
2. Gustav Magnar Witzøe
- Net Worth: Around $4 billion
- University: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Background: Inherited nearly half of SalMar ASA, one of the world’s largest salmon producers. He’s one of the youngest billionaires in the world.
3. Kylie Jenner
- Net Worth: Estimated over $600 million (was briefly considered a billionaire)
- University: Homeschooling / Never attended traditional university
- Background: Founded Kylie Cosmetics while still a teenager. Her brand made her one of the youngest self-made millionaires in the world.
4. Ritesh Agarwal
- Net Worth: Over $1 billion
- University: Dropped out of college (Indian School of Business and Finance)
- Background: Founder of OYO Rooms, one of the world’s largest hotel chains by room count. He started the business at 17.
5. Bobby Murphy
- Net Worth: Over $8 billion
- University: Stanford University
- Background: Co-founder of Snapchat along with Evan Spiegel. They developed the app while they were students at Stanford.
6. Evan Spiegel
- Net Worth: Over $10 billion
- University: Stanford University
- Background: Co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc. He dropped out before completing his degree to focus on the company.
7. Palmer Luckey
- Net Worth: Over $700 million
- University: California State University, Long Beach (dropped out)
- Background: Created Oculus Rift and later sold Oculus VR to Facebook for $2 billion while he was still a student.
Conclusion
While wealth isn’t a requirement for success in university, these individuals show that combining innovation, entrepreneurship, and sometimes a little inheritance can lead to massive wealth — even before graduation.