What does this tool do?
A student budget is easier to manage when the annual total is broken into monthly and semester amounts. This calculator adds tuition, housing, food, books and other costs for one academic year.
The Formula
Annual budget = Tuition + Housing + Food + Books + Other costsFrequently Asked Questions
Should I budget for 9 or 12 months?
Use the months you actually pay living costs. A 12-month monthly equivalent is useful for saving, while a 9-month academic-year view matches many on-campus budgets.
Which costs are easiest to reduce?
Food, transport and personal spending usually have the most flexibility. Housing can matter more but often requires a lease decision before the year starts.