College Cost Calculator

Project total 4-year college costs with tuition inflation. See in-state, out-of-state, and private comparisons.

Years of College
College Type
Room & Board

Today's Annual Cost

$25,700.00

Total (Today's Prices)

$102,800.00

Projected Total Cost

$167,580.21

in 13 years

529 Monthly Savings

$711.75

at 6% return

Year-by-Year Projected Cost

Year 1$19,148.35 tuition + $19,090.94 housing = $39,791.61
Year 2$19,914.28 tuition + $19,663.67 housing = $41,161.32
Year 3$20,710.85 tuition + $20,253.58 housing = $42,579.47
Year 4$21,539.28 tuition + $20,861.18 housing = $44,047.81

College Type Comparison (Total Projected Cost)

In-State Public$167,580.21
Out-of-State Public$266,569.66
Private$404,447.81

2026 Average Annual Costs

  • In-state public tuition: ~$11,500 | Out-of-state: ~$25,500 | Private: ~$45,000
  • Room & board: ~$13,000 on-campus | ~$12,000 off-campus
  • Tuition inflation: ~4% per year historically
  • 529 plans offer tax-free growth for qualified education expenses

Use the College Cost Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.