The precise "average income" of a Northwestern student, whether referring to individual student income or the average family income, is not explicitly published as a specific statistical figure. However, a significant indicator of the financial background of students attending Northwestern University is their median family income, which is a widely documented metric.
Understanding the Financial Landscape of Northwestern Students
While an exact average income figure is not readily available, comprehensive data regarding the median family income of Northwestern students provides valuable insight into their economic backgrounds.
Key Financial Indicators:
- Median Family Income: The median family income for students attending Northwestern University is $171,200. This figure represents the midpoint of all student family incomes, meaning half of the students come from families earning more than this amount, and half come from families earning less.
- Income Distribution: A substantial proportion of Northwestern students come from affluent backgrounds. Approximately 66% of students originate from families within the top 20 percent of earners nationally. This highlights the prevalence of students from higher-income households at the university.
Economic Mobility and Outcomes
Beyond family income at the time of enrollment, studies also shed light on the economic mobility of Northwestern students:
- Upward Mobility: About 1.7% of students at Northwestern University who came from low-income families went on to achieve high economic status as adults. This indicates a degree of economic mobility for a segment of the student population.
Financial Profile Overview
To summarize the available financial insights for Northwestern University students:
| Metric | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Median Family Income | $171,200 | The midpoint of family incomes for students attending Northwestern. |
| Students from Top 20% Income | 66% | Percentage of students whose families are in the top 20% of national earners. |
| Low-Income to Rich Adults | 1.7% | Percentage of students from poor families who became rich adults. |
This data underscores that Northwestern University largely attracts students from financially well-off backgrounds, with the median family income significantly above the national average.
