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Calculators / Finance / College cost
College cost calculator
Project education costs after inflation and subtract planned savings.
On this page
First-year projected cost29,604.89
Approximate total cost118,419.54
Funding gap88,419.54
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How to calculate
Project education costs after inflation and subtract planned savings.
First-year projected cost = annual*(1+inflation/100)^years; Approximate total cost = annual*(1+inflation/100)^years*studyYears; Funding gap = annual*(1+inflation/100)^years*studyYears-savings
Worked example
Current annual education cost: 20000; Annual cost increase (%): 4; Years until study begins: 10; Years of study: 4; Available savings: 30000.
First-year projected cost: 29,604.89 ; Approximate total cost: 118,419.54 ; Funding gap: 88,419.54 .
Assumptions and limits
The total assumes every study year costs the projected first-year amount. Tuition changes, living costs, aid and returns on savings require a fuller plan.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Project education costs after inflation and subtract planned savings. The displayed figures use the inputs and formula shown on this page.
When this tool is useful
Use the college cost to compare a scenario, check an estimate, or verify a manual calculation.
Understanding your inputs
| Input | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Current annual education cost | Enter a number of at least 0.000001 and no more than 1000000000000. |
| Annual cost increase (%) | Enter a number of at least 0 and no more than 100. |
| Years until study begins | Enter a number of at least 0 and no more than 50. |
| Years of study | Enter a number of at least 1 and no more than 10. |
| Available savings | Enter a number of at least 0 and no more than 1000000000000. |
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before using the college cost result?
The total assumes every study year costs the projected first-year amount. Tuition changes, living costs, aid and returns on savings require a fuller plan.
Is this college cost result exact?
It is exact for the stated mathematical model and entered values. Real-world results can differ when rates, timing, fees, definitions or measurement conditions differ.