Moneyzine
/Loan Guides/Simple College Cost Calculator

Simple College Cost Calculator

Moneyzine Editor
Author: 
Moneyzine Editor
2 mins
October 4th, 2023
Advertiser Disclosure

You can use this simple college cost calculator to estimate how much it will cost to attend a college or university at a future point in time. This calculator uses the current college cost, years until matriculation, and an estimate of the annual increase to project future college costs.

Calculator Definitions

The variables used in our online calculator are defined in detail below, including how to interpret the results.

Today's College Cost ($ / Year)

This is the annual cost of attending a college or university today. This value can vary greatly depending on whether or not you are considering a local college or prestigious university. The average cost of a public college education is around $36,000 per year, while the average cost of a private institution is closer to $50,000 per year.

Years Until Matriculation (Years)

This is the number of years before matriculation, the formal process of entering college, begins.

College Costs Increase (% / Year)

This is your best guess at the average increase in college costs (tuition, room, and board) that will occur between now and matriculation. Recently college costs are rising around 5.5% each year for public institutions and 7.1% for private colleges and universities.

Year X College Cost ($)

This is the calculated college cost for years 1 through 4. This value is based on today's college cost estimate, the years until matriculation, and the anticipated annual increase. The calculator increases college costs each year to reflect increases that will likely occur while the student is enrolled.

Total College Cost ($)

This is the total cost of college, which is equal to the sum of the four years of projected college costs.


Simple College Cost Calculator


Disclaimer: These online calculators are made available and meant to be used as a screening tool for the investor. The accuracy of these calculations is not guaranteed nor is its applicability to your individual circumstances. You should always obtain personal advice from qualified professionals.

Related Content

  • What Can Help You Meet Your Budget While Shopping for Important Items?
    Budgeting while ensuring you don't compromise on quality can seem daunting. Whether filling your pantry, updating your wardrobe, or keeping up with the latest tech, smart shopping strategies are crucial for keeping your finances in check.
    April 2nd, 2024
  • How to Make a Million Dollars in 10 Years
    Truthfully, this title should actually be “How to Make a Million Dollars in 10 Years Without Going Into Debt", but that is just getting a little too winded for my liking. It’s true though!
    March 26th, 2024
  • How to Apply Maslow’s Hierarchy to Your Money This Year
    You might vaguely remember your psychology teacher talking about Maslow. He pointed at a picture of a triangle as you nodded off in the back of the school room.
    March 27th, 2024
  • How to Tackle Multiple Savings Goals
    When there’s only so much money to go around, there are often multiple savings goals competing for your money. Think of the young professional who’d like to get a more reliable car, buy a house, and save for retirement. Or consider the young family that’s saving for college, retirement, and a bigger house.
    March 22nd, 2024
  • The Countdown to Early Retirement: 10 Expenses to Eliminate
    Dreaming of waving goodbye to the daily grind five years ahead of schedule? The road to early retirement is paved with more than good intentions; it requires a meticulously crafted strategy with surprising twists. It's not solely about what you should be doing—like diligently saving a portion of your income or investing wisely—but also about what you need to stop doing.
    March 22nd, 2024

Contributors

Moneyzine 2024. All Rights Reserved.