College Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost of college including tuition, room, board, and calculate how much you'll need to borrow.
Annual Costs
Financial Aid (Annual)
Other Funding Sources
Total Cost of Attendance
$216,294
over 4 years
After Aid
$176,294
Loan Needed
$146,294
Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
$1,552/month
Based on 10-year repayment at 5% interest
Cost Breakdown
Yearly Breakdown
| Year | Cost | Aid | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $51,700 | -$10,000 | $41,700 |
| Year 2 | $53,251 | -$10,000 | $43,251 |
| Year 3 | $54,849 | -$10,000 | $44,849 |
| Year 4 | $56,494 | -$10,000 | $46,494 |
Planning for College Costs
Start planning early. Consider all costs including living expenses, transportation, and personal items. Costs typically increase 3-5% annually due to inflation. Four years at a private university can easily exceed $250,000.
Maximizing Financial Aid
File the FAFSA as early as possible. Apply for scholarships continuously - many go unclaimed. Compare aid packages between schools. Some schools meet 100% of demonstrated need. Merit aid varies significantly between institutions.
Understanding Student Loans
Federal loans typically offer better terms than private loans. Understand the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Consider future career earnings when borrowing - a good rule is to borrow no more than your expected first-year salary.