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    Education / Funding

    College Cost Calculator

    What a degree will cost by the time the student starts, and the monthly saving needed to cover it. Tuition inflation runs ahead of general inflation, which is what makes early saving matter.

    First-year cost$41,447Total cost$176,003Shortfall$176,003
    First-year cost
    $41,447
    in 10 years
    Total cost
    $176,003
    4 years of study
    Shortfall
    $176,003
    After current savings
    Monthly saving
    $1,133
    for 10 years
    Cost by year
    Cost inflation compounds from today’s price to the first year of study.
    Cost by year
    Year of studyProjected cost
    Year 1$41,447
    Year 2$43,105
    Year 3$44,829
    Year 4$46,622
    Inspect the model
    Choose a quick result view, a scaled comparison, or the complete diagnostic set.
    Cost against start date
    Delaying by five years costs about a fifth more.
    Cost against start date0.0001.271e+42.541e+43.812e+45.082e+46.353e+4NowNow5y5y10y10y15y15y18y18yCollege Cost Calculator
    Canonical equations
    The exact relationships implemented by this engine.

    C·(1+i)^n · Today’s price inflated to the start year.

    Σ C·(1+i)^(n+k) · Each year of study inflated separately.

    finance methodology

    A clear path from inputs to results.

    What a degree will cost by the time the student starts, and the monthly saving needed to cover it. Tuition inflation runs ahead of general inflation, which is what makes early saving matter.

    Step-by-step methodWorked exampleAssumptions explained

    How to use

    1. Set current annual cost ($).
    2. Set years until start.
    3. Set cost inflation (%).
    4. Set years of study.
    5. Read the headline metrics, then check the table for the detail.

    The formula

    C⋅(1+i)nC·(1+i)^n

    Reference: Cost inflation compounding to the first year of study, on NCES/IPEDS tuition data.

    Worked example

    At the default inputs

    Inputs
    • Current annual cost ($): 28000; Years until start: 10; Cost inflation (%): 4; Years of study: 4; Already saved ($): 0; Return on savings (%): 5
    Calculation path
    1. 1

      First-year cost: $41,447 · Total cost: $176,003 · Shortfall: $176,003 · Monthly saving: $1,133

    Result

    First-year cost: $41,447 · Total cost: $176,003 · Shortfall: $176,003

    Interpreting the result

    A $28,000 year today becomes $41,447 in 10 years, and 4 years of study totals about $176,003.

    Assumptions & limitations

    • Cost inflation is constant.
    • One student, no scholarships or grants.

    Frequently asked questions

    Why does tuition outrun inflation?

    Higher education costs have grown faster than consumer prices for four decades; 4–5% is a common planning assumption.

    Should I save in a 529?

    It is the usual vehicle in the US because growth is tax-free when used for qualified costs.

    Methodology last reviewed 2026-10-22. Results are informational and not financial or engineering advice — see our disclaimer.