While many Americans leave college in debt, Ben von Werder will likely have a positive net worth when he graduates from Purdue University in fall 2026.
He’s “always been a saver,” he says, and “my portfolio has grown unbelievably” while he earns his undergraduate degree in accounting. As of Sept. 16, 2025, von Werder had about $115,000 in savings and investments, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It.
That’s due to a couple of factors: The 21-year-old Indiana native worked throughout his teenage years, stashing most of his earnings in an investment account, and enlisted in the National Guard in order to attend college for free.
He’s also focused on saving his money, rather than spending it all on nights out; but once he graduates and starts working full-time, he’ll spend a bit more freely on activities like travel.
“I try to take advantage as much as I can of being young and having time on my side for [investment growth],” he says.
