College Cost Calculator
Estimate annual cost of attendance (COA), the multi-year total with inflation, and the likely net price after grants and scholarships.
Based on College Board / NCES 2025–26 full-budget benchmarks.
Your college costs
Default 4–5% — College Board / NCES
Optional — drives net-price estimate
Optional — 10-yr payment projection
Annual cost of attendance
N-year sticker total (with inflation)
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Est. annual net price (after aid)
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Estimated loan payment
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The figure above is an estimate. Every college is required by federal law (Higher Education Opportunity Act) to publish its own Net Price Calculator — run it, and complete the FAFSA, for a personalized figure (SAI may open doors to Pell Grants and other aid).
Annual COA benchmarks (full budget, 2025–26)
| Institution type | Tuition & fees | Room & board | Total / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college (in-district) | $4,150 | commuter | $21,320 |
| Public 4-yr in-state | $11,950 | $13,900 | $30,990 |
| Public 4-yr out-of-state | $31,880 | $13,900 | $50,920 |
| Private nonprofit 4-yr | $45,000 | $16,600 | $65,470 |
Total / yr is full COA: tuition & fees + room & board + books/supplies + transportation + personal expenses. Source: College Board / NCES 2025–26.
Data sources
- DegreeCalc — Complete Guide to College Financial Planning 2026
- CollegeWiz — 4-Year Estimate
- CollegeWiz — College Cost Calculator 2026
Worked example (public in-state, 4 yrs, 4%): 30,990 × 4.2465 ≈ $131,598.