College Cost Calculator Estimate total costs, compare schools, project aid, and plan savings — with 2025–2026 tuition dat...
College Cost Calculator
Estimate total costs, compare schools, project aid, and plan savings — with 2025–2026 tuition data and net price insights.
Total Cost of Attendance (COA)** = Tuition + Fees + Room & Board + Books + Transportation + Personal
Net Price** = Total COA − Grants/Scholarships
2025–2026 Averages (College Board)**:
- Public In-State**: - Tuition & Fees: $11,610 - Room & Board: $13,450 - **Total COA**: $25,060 → **Net Price**: $15,280
- Private Nonprofit**: - Tuition & Fees: $43,530 - Room & Board: $15,140 - **Total COA**: $58,670 → **Net Price**: $28,120
✅ Pro Tip**: Use each school’s **Net Price Calculator** (required by law) — it’s more accurate than averages.
⚠️ Avoid these dangerous assumptions:
- “Sticker price only” planning** — 89% of full-time students receive aid (NCES 2025)
- Ignoring inflation** — Tuition grows 4.0% avg/yr (public), 3.3% (private)
- Underestimating hidden costs** — “Personal expenses” average $2,500/yr (transport, laundry, phone)
- Overborrowing** — Avg. grad debt: $37,300 → $385/mo for 10 yrs @ 6.5%
✅ Smart Family Strategies**:
- Complete **FAFSA ASAP** (Oct 1) — many state grants are first-come, first-served
- Use **529 plans** — tax-free growth + state tax deduction (34 states)
- Apply to schools where student is in **top 25% of applicants** — more merit aid
| School | Tuition | Total COA | Net Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley (in-state) | $15,170 | $36,570 | $22,500 |
| UVA (out-of-state) | $59,162 | $78,400 | $38,900 |
| NYU | $62,924 | $96,740 | $41,200 |
| Brigham Young | $6,680 | $18,900 | $11,300 |
📉 Savings Benchmarks** (529 @ 6.5%):
- $80K degree in 10 yrs → **$485/mo**
- $160K degree in 10 yrs → **$1,250/mo**
- + $200/mo extra → **$42K more** in 10 yrs
➡️ Total Cost
“UC Berkeley, 4 years, 4% inflation — what’s the total?” ($158,600)
➡️ Financial Aid
“$85K income, $12K grants — what’s net price?” ($24,570/yr)
➡️ Savings & 529
“$160K needed in 10 yrs — how much to save monthly?” ($1,250)
➡️ Loan & Repayment
“$30K loan @ 6.53% for 10 yrs — what’s payment?” ($341/mo)
Note: Uses College Board 2025–2026 data, 6.5% 529 return (60/40), and federal loan rates. Net price estimates based on median aid by income bracket.