See tomorrow's tuition bill today.
Enter today's cost and how far off college is. We grow it by tuition inflation, project the full four-year price tag, and show exactly how much to save each month to get there.
Your plan
Are you on track?
College cost climbing vs your savings
The bill, year by year of college
What each year will cost
Savings scorecard
Projected cost for each college year
Today's annual cost grown by your tuition inflation rate to the year that bill actually arrives.
| College year | Years from now | Annual cost | Running total |
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Your savings schedule
Current savings plus the monthly contribution below, both compounding at your expected return until college starts.
| Year | You add | Contributed to date | Balance |
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Planning for college, explained
How Much Does College Really Cost?
The total cost of attending college includes far more than just tuition, room and board, textbooks, fees, transportation, and personal expenses can add 50% or more to the sticker price. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the average total cost of attendance at a public four-year university is approximately $28,840 for in-state students and $46,730 for out-of-state students, while private universities average around $60,420. However, most students do not pay the full published price; the net cost after grants, scholarships, and financial aid is typically 30-50% lower. Using a college cost calculator helps families plan realistically for the actual out-of-pocket expense they will face.
Understanding 529 College Savings Plans
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account specifically designed for education expenses, offered by every U.S. state and the District of Columbia. Contributions grow tax-free at the federal level, and withdrawals used for qualified education expenses, including tuition, room and board, books, and even up to $10,000 per year for K-12 tuition, are also tax-free. Many states offer additional tax deductions or credits for contributions to their own state's plan. Starting early maximizes the benefit of compound growth; even modest monthly contributions beginning at birth can accumulate significantly by the time a child reaches college age.
Tuition Inflation: Why College Costs Keep Rising
College tuition has risen at roughly twice the rate of general inflation over the past three decades, driven by factors including reduced state funding for public universities, expanding administrative staff, and increased demand for campus amenities. The widespread availability of federal student loans has also enabled institutions to raise prices, knowing students can borrow to cover the gap, a phenomenon economists call the "Bennett Hypothesis." While some schools have begun freezing or even reducing tuition, the overall trend continues upward, making early planning and savings essential for families.
Strategies to Reduce College Costs
Attending a community college for the first two years before transferring to a four-year university can cut total costs by 40% or more while earning the same bachelor's degree. Applying aggressively for scholarships, including smaller local awards that attract fewer applicants, can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Choosing an in-state public university, taking AP or dual-enrollment courses in high school for college credit, and graduating in four years (or fewer) instead of five or six are all proven strategies. Filing the FAFSA every year is essential, as it unlocks not only federal aid but also many institutional grants and scholarships.
Common questions
How much does 4 years of college cost in the US?
As of 2024, the average total cost for four years is about $108,000 at a public in-state university, $180,000 at a public out-of-state school, and $228,000 at a private university. These figures include tuition, fees, room, and board.
What is a 529 plan and should I use one?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account specifically for education expenses. Earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified education costs are not taxed. Most states also offer a state income tax deduction for contributions.
How fast is college tuition rising?
College tuition has historically risen about 5% to 8% per year, significantly outpacing general inflation. At 5% annual increases, a school that costs $25,000 today will cost about $40,700 in 10 years.
When should I start saving for my child's college?
Start as early as possible to take advantage of compound growth. Even small monthly contributions starting at birth can grow substantially. Beginning at birth versus age 10 can mean the difference between covering most costs or having a significant shortfall.
Estimates for planning only. Actual college costs depend on the school, financial aid, scholarships and future tuition trends, and investment returns are never guaranteed. Treat this as a starting target and revisit it every year.