🇺🇸 US · figures as of 2026-06
Education

College True Cost Calculator

The sticker price is just part of the story. See the full 4-year cost including room & board, loan interest, and the income you forgo while in school.

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True Total College Cost

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including opportunity cost & loan interest

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Full Cost Breakdown

Data sources & methodology: Tuition and room & board from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2024–25. Federal loan rates from studentaid.gov (2024–25 academic year). Opportunity cost based on BLS median weekly earnings for workers aged 22–27 without degrees. Results are estimates for informational purposes only — not financial advice. Full disclaimer →

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Frequently asked questions

What is the true 4-year cost of college?
Beyond tuition, the real total includes room and board, fees, books, loan interest, and the opportunity cost of reduced earnings while studying. All in, a 4-year degree commonly totals $190,000–$320,000.
What is the difference between sticker price and net price?
Sticker price is the published cost; net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships. Many students pay well below sticker — use a school’s net price calculator for a realistic figure.
Is student loan interest tax deductible?
You can generally deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest per year, subject to income limits. It is an above-the-line deduction, so you can claim it without itemizing.

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Data reference (United States): College Board Trends in College Pricing 2023-24; NCES · figures as of 2026-06 · Compiled from official public sources via AI-assisted research; latest available data, not individually verified - general information, not advice.. See our methodology for how every figure is sourced and dated.

🔒 Calculations run 100% in your browser — we never see your numbers 📊 Built on primary-source data (see references above) 🔄 Reviewed 2026 · methodology · disclaimer