College Tuition Calculator
Project future college costs accounting for tuition inflation, model 529 savings growth, and understand the full picture of funding sources including potential student loan obligations.
Monthly savings assumes a 6% annual return (e.g., a 529 plan invested in a diversified portfolio).
Total Projected Cost
$175,518
4 years of college
First-Year Tuition
$40,722
Monthly Savings Needed
$1,071
Inflation Impact
+$75,518
Projected Tuition by College Year
Planning ahead for future college attendance
Student Information
College Costs
Tuition, room, board, fees
Historical average: 5–8% per year
529 Plan
Contributions stop when college begins
Funding Beyond 529
After 529 funds are depleted, how will the remainder be paid?
Student Loan Terms
Interest accrues starting the year after disbursement
Repayment begins immediately after graduation
Total College Cost
$222,881
529 at Enrollment
$102,794
Loan Debt at Graduation
$56,683
Monthly Loan Payment
$643.62
Funding Summary
Funding Sources
Total College Cost
$222,881
Loan Debt at Graduation
$56,683
Principal: $55,050 + Interest: $1,633
Total Loan Repayment
$77,235
Total Interest: $20,552
Remaining 529 Balance
$0
After all college years
Financial Projection
Financial Projection
Shows 529 balance, cumulative cost, and loan balance over time.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Pre-College 529 Growth
| Year | Age | After Contribution | Growth | End Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | $31,000 | +$1,860 | $32,860 |
| 2 | 12 | $38,860 | +$2,332 | $41,192 |
| 3 | 13 | $47,192 | +$2,832 | $50,023 |
| 4 | 14 | $56,023 | +$3,361 | $59,384 |
| 5 | 15 | $65,384 | +$3,923 | $69,308 |
| 6 | 16 | $75,308 | +$4,518 | $79,826 |
| 7 | 17 | $85,826 | +$5,150 | $90,976 |
| 8 | 18 | $96,976 | +$5,819 | $102,794 |
College Years
| Year | Age | Cost | From 529 | From Cash | New Loans | 529 End | Loan Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18 | $51,711 | $51,711 | $0 | $0 | $57,251 | $0 |
| 2 | 19 | $54,296 | $54,296 | $0 | $0 | $6,389 | $0 |
| 3 | 20 | $57,011 | $6,773 | $25,119 | $25,119 | $0 | $25,119 |
| 4 | 21 | $59,862 | $0 | $29,931 | $29,931 | $0 | $56,683 |
| Total | $222,881 | $112,780 | $55,050 | $55,050 | |||
Student Loan Repayment
Loan Principal
$55,050
Accrued Interest
$1,633
Total at Graduation
$56,683
Monthly Payment
$643.62
Annual Repayment Schedule
| Year | Starting Balance | Annual Payment | Principal | Interest | Ending Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $56,683 | $7,723 | $4,162 | $3,562 | $52,521 |
| 2 | $52,521 | $7,723 | $4,440 | $3,283 | $48,081 |
| 3 | $48,081 | $7,723 | $4,738 | $2,986 | $43,343 |
| 4 | $43,343 | $7,723 | $5,055 | $2,668 | $38,288 |
| 5 | $38,288 | $7,723 | $5,394 | $2,330 | $32,895 |
| 6 | $32,895 | $7,723 | $5,755 | $1,969 | $27,140 |
| 7 | $27,140 | $7,723 | $6,140 | $1,583 | $21,000 |
| 8 | $21,000 | $7,723 | $6,551 | $1,172 | $14,448 |
| 9 | $14,448 | $7,723 | $6,990 | $733 | $7,458 |
| 10 | $7,458 | $7,723 | $7,458 | $265 | $0 |
| Total | $77,235 | $56,683 | $20,552 |
Understanding This Projection
529 Plans: Contributions grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. This calculator assumes the 529 continues earning returns during college years on the remaining balance.
Student Loans: Interest begins accruing the year after each loan disbursement (similar to unsubsidized federal loans). Repayment begins immediately after graduation with no grace period modeled.
Cost Inflation: College costs have historically increased 5–8% annually, often outpacing general inflation.
About This Analysis
This calculator provides estimates based on the inputs you supply. It assumes standard amortization and does not account for taxes, insurance, PMI, prepayment penalties, or the opportunity cost of funds. Results are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
- ·Does not account for financial aid, scholarships, or grants.
- ·Assumes a fixed annual growth rate for the 529 plan.
- ·Loan interest accrual is simplified and may differ from actual lender terms.
Related Resources
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Also Consider
Quick Reference
- Average Tuition by School TypePublic in-state, out-of-state, private, community college
- 529 Plan Limits by StateContribution limits and state tax deductions
- FAFSA Income ThresholdsEFC/SAI formula basics, asset protection allowances
- Income-Driven Repayment PlansIBR, PAYE, SAVE, ICR comparison table
- Loan Forgiveness ProgramsPSLF, teacher forgiveness, IDR forgiveness timelines
- Federal Student Loan RatesCurrent rates for undergrad, grad, PLUS loans
Insights
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