Net Price Estimator

Estimate the true cost of college over 4 years, including all expenses and rough financial aid estimates.

Estimates only — not financial advice

This calculator provides ballpark estimates for planning purposes. It is not a guarantee of actual costs or aid offers. Our estimates use each college's published cost of attendance (which includes tuition, room, board, books, and fees) plus $2,500/year for personal expenses. Actual aid varies significantly based on individual circumstances, merit scholarships, and college policies. Always verify with each college's official Net Price Calculator and financial aid office for accurate, personalized information.

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Which college?

Search from our database of colleges to get started.

What this estimator includes

  • Published cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, books, fees)
  • $2,500/year for personal expenses
  • Rough need-based aid based on income bracket
  • 3% annual inflation across 4 years

Not included: merit scholarships, outside scholarships, program-specific aid (veterans, first-gen initiatives), state grants, institutional work-study.

Important disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates only and is not a guarantee of actual costs or financial aid. Actual expenses and aid packages vary significantly based on individual circumstances, family finances, merit scholarships, and college policies.

This tool does not replace the official net price calculator provided by each college, which uses more detailed information to provide personalized estimates. Always consult each college's official net price calculator and financial aid office for accurate, individualized information. This tool is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice.

KidToCollege is free to use and editorially independent. Data sourced from public records including IPEDS, Common Data Sets, College Board and FAFSA.gov. Always verify deadlines and requirements directly with institutions. Not a guarantee of admission or financial aid.