How the College Cost Calculator works
Estimate future college or university costs. Adjust the inputs above, then use the calculate button to generate a fresh estimate based on the numbers you entered.
The result is designed to give you a quick planning number, plus a short breakdown of the major figures behind it. You can reset the form at any time and try a different scenario.
When to use this calculator
Use this college cost calculator to estimate future education costs after inflation. It is useful for planning how much tuition, housing, books and related school costs could be by the time enrollment begins.
Formula
Future annual cost = current annual cost x (1 + education inflation)^years until school
- Current annual cost is today's estimated yearly school cost.
- Years until school starts is the time before enrollment.
- Education inflation estimates annual cost increases.
- Years of school multiplies the future annual cost across the program.
Worked example
For an $18,000 current annual cost, 10 years until school, 4% education inflation and 4 years of school, the calculator estimates future total college cost.
Common mistakes
- Using today's tuition without adjusting for inflation.
- Leaving out housing, books, travel or fees.
- Assuming every school or program has the same cost trend.
FAQs
Why use education inflation?
Education costs can rise differently than general inflation, so a separate assumption can be useful.
Should scholarships be included?
Do not count uncertain scholarships in the base estimate. Treat them as a possible offset later.
Does this include investment growth?
No. It estimates future cost, not how savings may grow.