How the college cost inflation calculator works
Prices compound. Each year's price is last year's price plus your increase, so the calculator raises today's cost by the same percentage once for every year:
Cost in year t = today's cost × (1 + increase)t
The first college year is t = years until college starts. Each later year adds one more year of increases. The total is the sum of those years. The calculator also shows the same years at today's price, so you can see how much comes from price increases alone.
Recent averages, for reference
| Type of college | 2025-26 tuition and fees | Change from 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Public four-year, in-state | $11,950 | +2.9% |
| Public four-year, out-of-state | $31,880 | +3.4% |
| Private nonprofit four-year | $45,000 | +4.0% |
| Public two-year, in-district | $4,150 | +2.7% |
Average published tuition and fees for full-time undergraduates, before adjusting for inflation. Housing, food and books are not included. Source: College Board, Trends in College Pricing 2025. One year's change isn't a forecast; the calculator uses the rate you enter.
Choosing an increase rate
- Look up the college's own price history on its website for the last few years.
- Public colleges in states with tuition freezes or caps may rise slowly or not at all for a while.
- If you're unsure, run the calculator at two rates, like 3% and 5%, and plan for the higher one.
- The averages above are for 2025-26. If you start from them, add one year to the years until college to bring them to 2026-27.
Worked example
A public in-state college costs $11,950 a year in tuition and fees today. Your student starts in 8 years, and you assume prices rise 3% a year.
The first year will cost about $15,138, since $11,950 × 1.038 = $15,138. The next three years cost $15,592, $16,060 and $16,542.
Four years total about $63,331, compared with $47,800 at today's price. Price increases add $15,531.
Common questions
How much does college tuition go up each year?
It depends on the college and the year. In the College Board's Trends in College Pricing 2025, average published tuition and fees for 2025-26 rose 2.9% at public four-year colleges for in-state students and 4.0% at private nonprofit four-year colleges, before adjusting for inflation. Your college's own history is the better guide.
Should I use tuition or the full cost of attendance?
Either works, but be consistent. Tuition and fees is the number most often reported. The full cost of attendance adds housing, food, books and transportation, and gives a truer picture of what you'll pay.
Is this the price I'll actually pay?
Probably not. This is the sticker price. Most students pay less after grants and scholarships. Subtract the aid you expect with the college cost calculator.
How do I save for a future cost like this?
Use the total as a goal in the college savings calculator to see the monthly amount, or the 529 plan calculator to see what steady contributions could grow to.
Why use a fixed rate every year?
Because no one knows the real future rates. A fixed rate keeps the math simple and makes it easy to compare a low and a high scenario.