Calculator
True Degree Price Calculator
Start with published costs. Choose residency, housing, time to degree, and a cost-increase assumption. Add grant aid only when you want to test an offer or a clear scenario.
How the formula works
The first-year total is tuition and fees plus room and board plus books and supplies. Each later year applies the annual increase you enter. The four, five, and six-year views use the same first-year basis so the effect of time is visible.
Grant aid is subtracted only at the annual amount you enter. No merit award, need grant, or net price is inferred from income, grades, test scores, or a school average.
About the loan illustration
If you enter a share borrowed, the tool uses a standard amortization formula. It does not include fees, interest during school, variable rates, repayment plans, or forgiveness. For federal loan details, use the official Federal Student Aid sources and the school offer.
Limits of the launch dataset
The launch set contains 20 schools. It is a comparison set, not a national directory. Each record shows one academic year and source. Costs can change by program, housing tier, meal plan, residency status, and academic year.
Common questions
Does the calculator know my financial aid?
No. Enter grants or scholarships only as a scenario or from a written offer. The school is the only source that can confirm an individual net price.
Why show four, five, and six years?
Time to degree is a cost. An extra year adds tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and delays full-time work.
Does the loan result come from a lender?
No. It is a simple amortization illustration using the share, rate, and term you enter. It is not a quote or an offer.