Project future college expenses and estimate a monthly savings goal. Add tuition, housing, books, and other costs, then account for education-cost growth, savings, investment returns, and expected grants.
Your college plan
Enter your cost and savings assumptions, then calculate.
Projected cost by study year
| Study year | Projected gross cost | Estimated aid | Projected net cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your cost schedule will appear here. | |||
How to use the college cost calculator
Enter annual costs in today’s money, including tuition and fees, room and meals, books, and other expenses. Add years until enrollment and the expected length of study. If you plan to use savings for only part of the total, enter that percentage. Add any current college savings and an estimated return after tax.
How future college costs are projected
Each current annual cost is increased by the college-cost growth rate for the years before enrollment and for each year of study. Optional grants and scholarships are subtracted from each projected year. The resulting costs are summed to estimate the total amount needed.
How the monthly savings target is estimated
The calculator grows the current savings balance using an estimated after-tax return, then compares it with the share of projected net college costs you selected to cover from savings. If there is a remaining gap and time before college, it estimates equal month-end contributions that could grow to that gap by enrollment.
Important planning assumptions
This calculator is not a school net-price calculator. It does not determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, government programs, or student loans. Investment returns are uncertain, and a simple tax adjustment may not match the rules for your account or location. Use current net-price information from each school when available.
What if college starts this year?
When no saving time remains, the calculator reports a monthly saving target of zero and shows the remaining gap at enrollment. It does not assume you can make future contributions before costs are due.
Does the calculator assume aid is guaranteed?
No. Aid is an optional estimate you enter. Actual grants and scholarships depend on program terms, eligibility, and the school’s award.
What does “costs to cover from savings” mean?
It is the share of projected net college costs you want your savings to cover. Any remaining portion would need another funding source or a change to the plan.
For educational planning only. This estimate is not financial, tax, or investment advice.