College & Career Education Savings Calculator
Choose an education path. Add its costs, then see how much to save each month.
Inputs used
1. Choose an education path
Drag the sliders or type exact amounts. Your results update as you explore.
Adjust the inputs to compare possibilities.
What this means
The monthly goal aims to have the full net program budget ready when enrollment starts. Compare it with your planned contribution and funding gap. A lower-cost path, different timeline or confirmed support will change the estimate. This does not assess which path is right for you.
Free educational illustration only. Results depend on your assumptions and may not fit your circumstances. This tool does not provide individualized advice; do not use it as your sole basis for a financial decision. Read the financial disclosures.
All program costs are assumed funded at enrollment. No growth or contributions during attendance are modeled. Estimates are not school quotes, aid awards or 529 eligibility advice.
How this calculator works
For each program year, today’s tuition, books, living costs and transportation are increased by your education inflation assumption through that year. Partial years are prorated. Estimated annual support rises at the same assumed rate and reduces total costs, with a zero floor. For the transfer path, the first two years use community-college tuition and subsequent years use the university tuition you enter; transfer credit and admission are not guaranteed.
Savings grow until enrollment at your assumed effective annual return, with contributions at month-end. Required monthly savings are the amount needed to fund the whole estimated program at enrollment, rounded up to cents. Starting now gives no time for additional contributions. Returns, future costs and aid are uncertain. The model does not estimate loans, investment taxes, 529 benefits or eligibility, earnings, or career outcomes.
Tuition source: College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2025, academic year 2025–26; verified October 12, 2026. Presets are national averages, not state or school prices. Other costs default to zero and must be entered. Trade, apprenticeship and custom paths require your own program estimate. Confirm costs with the school or sponsor and use its net-price calculator for personalized aid estimates.
Worked example
For a one-year program costing $12,000, starting in one year with no savings, growth, inflation or aid, saving $1,000 per month funds the goal.
Common questions
Does this estimate financial aid?
No. Enter your own expected grants, scholarships or employer support and confirm eligibility with the provider.
Are trade-school and apprenticeship costs national averages?
No. Those paths start with custom cost placeholders. Enter a quote from the school or program sponsor.