COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE
The full picture of paying for college.
Compare the whole program, the money available now, and the payments that may follow graduation.
01Separate tuition and board from the rest
The matrix’s annual cost axis represents tuition plus housing/board, not every education expense. In Education fund → Calculate from details, reserve money for books, transportation, and other annual expenses across the program. The remaining fund is available for tuition and housing. Avoid counting the same reserve twice.
02A worked example: four years of additional costs
Start with $80,000 of education savings. If books, transport, and other expenses total $3,000 a year for a four-year program, and cost growth is set to 0% for this example, reserve $12,000. That leaves $68,000 for tuition and housing. A $30,000 annual tuition-and-board scenario totals $120,000 over four years at 0% growth. Using all $68,000 toward it leaves $52,000 before grants, ongoing contributions, loan fees, or accrued interest.
03Monthly means repayment, not tuition installments
The monthly limit is the student-loan payment you want to be able to carry. It is not an assumption that you can spend that amount each month while studying. Set ongoing contributions separately. Interest during school, a grace period, existing payments, and the repayment term can all change the eventual monthly result.
04Read the cash-down rows carefully
Each row is a percentage of tuition and housing paid from the fund. A high cash percentage can ease future payments while exceeding your available funds. Envelope shows the tighter of those two limits. Select a cell for the program total, borrowing balance, and estimated payment rather than choosing on color alone.
05Treat aid as evidence, not a promise
Compare grants and scholarships separately from loans. Enter aid you have a sound basis for assuming, and test the budget without an unconfirmed award. Check the institution’s net-price calculator and financial-aid offer, including renewal conditions. An advertised average award is not a personal offer.
06A promising program is not an admission probability
The optional college report compares programs, costs, admissions context, funding possibilities, and remaining checks. GPA and test ranges can help frame a choice, but do not establish your odds of admission. Confirm program-specific requirements, accreditation, residency costs, and aid directly with the institution.
Make it your own
Calculation details · Federal Student Aid: Evaluate your aid offers
Examples explain the tool; they are not personalized financial advice. Change the assumptions to reflect your situation.