College Cost Calculator
Project the total cost of a four-year degree with tuition inflation for public in-state, public out-of-state or private colleges.
Your numbers
- First-year cost
- $39,967
- Cost at today’s prices
- $108,000
How the college cost calculator works
Annual cost grows each year by the inflation rate. Total cost sums four years starting when your child enrolls.
Example
Using the default inputs (College type: Public in-state (~$27K / yr); Years until enrollment: 10; Tuition inflation: 4%; Expected aid per year: $0.00), the calculator returns total four-year cost of $169,717. Change any field above to see your own result and charts update instantly.
Good for these goals
Frequently asked questions
What does college cost?
Roughly $27,000 a year all-in for public in-state, $46,000 for public out-of-state and $58,000+ for private schools.
What reduces net cost?
Scholarships, grants, in-state tuition and community college transfers.
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Estimates are for educational purposes only and are not financial, tax or legal advice. Results depend on your inputs and simplified assumptions; tax figures reflect 2026 federal rules and may differ from your situation. See our disclaimer. © 2026 FinanzCalc.