College Cost & ROI Calculator

Estimate the true cost of college with inflation, scholarships, and contributions; project loans and monthly payments; and compare earnings to an alternate path to see payback and NPV.

Costs (per year, starting year)
Costs will inflate annually over the degree duration.
Scholarships & Contributions (per year)
Net annual cost = (Tuition + Room & Board + Other) − Scholarships − Contributions.
Loans & Earnings
Notes:
  • Loan balance accrues interest during study and capitalizes at graduation; payments start post-graduation for the chosen loan term.
  • Payback period is when cumulative earnings premium exceeds total college outlays.
  • NPV compares the discounted earnings premium minus loan payments to the alternative path.
Summary
Total 4-year Cost (nominal)
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Scholarships: —
Loan at Graduation
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Monthly payment: —
Payback Year
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NPV of Degree vs Alternative
—
NPV discounted at your chosen rate; estimates vary with assumptions.
Cumulative Net Benefit Over Time

Year-wise Breakdown

Year Cost (net) Loan Balance Salary (Degree) Salary (Alt) Loan Payment Cumulative Net Benefit

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