College Cost Calculator
Enter years to enrollment, school type, and aid expectations. Get inflation-adjusted 4-year sticker, net cost, and monthly savings target.
$118,304
4-year net cost
Public (in-state) · save $1,232/mo
Projection
Year 1 cost
$41,369
4-yr sticker
$178,304
4-yr net
$118,304
$/mo to save
$1,232
Freedom Coach™
Public (in-state) in 8 yrs: ~$178,304 sticker, $118,304 net.
Year-1 cost at start: $41,369. Save $1,232/mo to fully cash-fund the gap.
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Save scenarios for multiple kids or schools, compare 529 vs. taxable, and get annual review reminders.
Unlock Premium2024 averages: public in-state ~$28k/yr, out-of-state ~$46k/yr, private ~$60k/yr all-in. Sticker vs. net can differ 30–50% after aid.
College costs have averaged ~5% annual inflation for 30 years — nearly 2x general inflation. This is why starting a 529 early matters.
Yes: state tax deduction on contributions (most states), tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses. If unused, up to $35,000 can now roll to a Roth IRA.
Net cost = sticker minus grants and scholarships (money you don't repay). Private colleges often have higher stickers but similar net cost due to aid.
Smart if the target 4-year school has an articulation agreement guaranteeing credit transfer. Can cut 4-year cost by 30–40%.
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