College Cost Calculator
Project future college costs from today’s annual cost, education inflation, years until enrollment, program length, current savings and monthly contributions.
Enter your values
Change any assumption and calculate again to compare results.
Plan for the Future Cost of College
A college budget that looks affordable today may be very different by the time a student enrolls. This calculator compounds the current annual cost forward using the education-cost inflation rate you choose, then estimates each year of the program separately. That makes it more informative than multiplying one future annual figure by four.
Use a current annual cost that matches the school type you are considering. You can include tuition only, or enter a broader cost-of-attendance figure that also includes housing, meals, books and transportation.
Compare Cost with Savings
The savings side grows your current balance at the annual return you enter and adds the future value of monthly contributions through the start of college. The result shows projected funds available at enrollment and the estimated funding gap or surplus compared with the full projected program cost.
Because markets and college prices are uncertain, try several scenarios. A lower investment return and a higher education inflation rate create a useful stress test. You can also see how increasing the monthly contribution changes the gap.
Example
With a current annual cost of $25,000, eight years until enrollment, four years in college and 4% annual cost inflation, the first-year future cost is substantially higher than $25,000. The calculator then increases costs again for years two through four and compares the total with projected savings.
What This Estimate Does Not Include
Scholarships, grants, tax credits, student-loan interest, changes in enrollment status and school-specific aid are not built in. Use the calculator as a planning baseline, then reduce the funding target by aid you are confident will be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in annual college cost?
Include tuition and required fees, and consider housing, meals, books, transport and other recurring costs if you want a fuller estimate.
Why does the calculator use education inflation?
College costs can rise between today and enrollment. The inflation input compounds the current annual cost forward for each future school year.
Does the savings projection continue during college?
This version compares projected total college cost with funds accumulated by the start of college. It is intentionally conservative and does not assume continued investment growth during the spending years.