The calculators on this page can help you get a clearer picture of your financial aid offers and loan costs.
- Use the Financial Aid Comparison Tool and College Cost Calculator to compare the financial aid packages offered by each college that sent you an acceptance letter.
- Use the Simple and Detailed Loan Calculators for a good estimate of what a student loan might cost you over time.
Put in your own numbers and try different scenarios. This kind of planning is surprisingly easy, and it can make a real difference in the long run.
Financial Aid Comparison Tool (US Govt.)
Designed by the Consumer Financial Protection Board, this calculator lets you enter your specific information so you can estimate what each of your college choices may cost.
College Cost Calculator (U*Aspire)
This calculator is created by a nonprofit and it allows you to enter information from your financial aid packages to compare the costs of colleges that have accepted you.
Simple Student Loan Calculator
This calculator will help you estimate what a loan of any amount will cost you over time. But remember, each year that you're in college can mean another loan – and a different interest rate, too. So do the math for one year and four years.
Detailed Student Loan Calculator
This link takes you to a calculator on FinAid.org, a site run by recognized FAFSA expert, Mark Kantrowitz. Please note: the information you provide on the FinAid site may be used for marketing purposes.
Borrowing guidelines
If you need to take out loans, it's important to know what those loans will cost you, and if you'll be able to afford them over time.
Check out our borrowing guidelines