College cost projection
College cost projection: use current annual study cost, annual cost inflation, years until study begins. Review the formula, worked example and calculation steps.
Inputs
Use the units shown—
Enter your values and select Calculate.
Formula & explanation
Total = Σ current annual cost × (1+inflation/100)^(wait+k)
Variables & units
- Current annual study cost
- currency · minimum 0, maximum 1000000000000
- Annual cost inflation
- % · minimum 0, maximum 100
- Years until study begins
- Numeric value · minimum 0, maximum 50
- Years of study
- Numeric value · minimum 1, maximum 10
Worked example
20,000 per year for 4 years at 0% inflation totals 80,000.
Assumptions
Constant supplied inflation; no grants, loans, taxes, investment growth or mid-year changes.
Formula version 1.0.0. JavaScript floating-point arithmetic applies. Results display up to 6 decimal places; stored values retain available precision. Use the units shown.
Practice with an example
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