College Cost Calculator

Total 4-year college cost: tuition, room & board, and fees.

Inputs

$
$
$
Total college cost
$116,000.00
Annual: $29,000.00

How it works

Sum your annual cost components and multiply by years. Adjust for scholarships or aid separately.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I park savings?

Short-term goals: high-yield savings or short CDs. Long-term: a diversified portfolio.

How big should my emergency fund be?

Most planners suggest 3–6 months of essential expenses, more if income is variable.

What's APY?

Annual Percentage Yield — the rate including compounding. Always compare APYs, not APRs.

Are bank accounts safe?

FDIC-insured accounts are protected up to $250,000 per depositor per bank per ownership category.

Should I lock money in a CD?

Only if you don't need it during the term — early withdrawals carry penalties.

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