Project the cost of a degree and how much to save each month.
How to use this calculator
Every field updates the result as you type — there is no submit step. The inputs below are pre-filled with a realistic example so you can see how the tool behaves before entering your own figures.
| Field | Unit | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Current annual cost | $ | Enter a numeric value. |
| Years of study | — | Enter a numeric value. |
| Years until enrollment | — | Enter a numeric value. |
| College cost inflation | %/yr | Enter a numeric value. |
| Already saved | $ | Enter a numeric value. |
| Return on savings | %/yr | Enter a numeric value. |
Worked example
Using the default values loaded into the calculator above, the result is:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Current annual cost ($) | 28000 |
| Years of study | 4 |
| Years until enrollment | 10 |
| College cost inflation (%/yr) | 5 |
| Already saved ($) | 15000 |
| Return on savings (%/yr) | 6 |
| Output | Value |
|---|---|
| Total projected cost | $196,580.70 |
| Current savings grown to enrollment | -$27,290.95 |
| Funding gap | $223,871.66 |
| Monthly saving needed | $1,366.08 |
Reading the result
Financial projections compound small assumption changes into large differences over time. Rates, fees and tax treatment vary by lender and jurisdiction, so treat the output as a well-structured estimate for comparing options rather than a quotation.
Figures that change annually — tax bands, contribution limits, statutory rates — are exposed as editable inputs. Check them against current published values before relying on the result.
Sharing and saving a calculation
The "Copy link" button encodes every value you have entered into the page URL. Opening that link restores the calculation exactly, which makes it easy to bookmark a scenario, send it to someone else, or keep several variations side by side in separate tabs.
Frequently asked questions
What does the College Cost Calculator do?
Project the cost of a degree and how much to save each month.
What result do the default values produce?
With the values pre-loaded in the calculator, total projected cost comes to $196,580.70.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes. It is free, requires no account, and runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is transmitted or stored on a server.
Can I save or share a calculation?
Yes. The "Copy link" button builds a URL containing all your entered values. Anyone opening that link sees the same calculation.
How accurate is the result?
The calculation itself is exact for the inputs given. Real-world accuracy depends on how well those inputs reflect your actual situation, so review the assumptions before relying on the figure.