Education Inflation Calculator

Administrative costs, state funding shifts, campus investments, and demand for degrees have pushed many schools to raise prices faster than broad inflation. Long-run college cost inflation often lands near 4-6% annually versus roughly 3% for overall CPI, though it varies by institution and year.

Enter one year's total cost of attendance as the amount, your assumed annual education inflation rate, and years until enrollment. The future value shows roughly what that single year might cost when your student starts; multiply or repeat for a multi-year estimate.

Many planners use 4-6% for long-run education inflation. If you're conservative, use the higher end. You can also blend a lower rate for in-state public schools and a higher rate for private universities.