The monthly payment behind the college decision.

The total cost is easy to find. The monthly payment isn't.

Start typing to search. We'll fill in an estimated school cost for you. You can update it to match your actual offer.

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✓ Estimated cost pre-filled. Feel free to adjust to match your actual offer.

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Leave blank to assume the full remaining cost is borrowed.

Estimates based on publicly available university data and standard loan assumptions. For informational purposes only. Not financial advice.

Monthly payment is one part of a larger college decision that may also include academic fit, career goals, campus experience, and family priorities.

Estimated monthly loan payment after graduation

/month
for 20 years after graduation ?Estimated using a standard 20-year repayment term and 6% interest rate.
Total borrowed
estimated amount financed across 4 years
Total repaid
total cost of borrowing over 20 years, including interest

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What your comparison will look like

1 State University $145/mo Lowest cost
2 Midwestern College $360/mo Mid-range
3 Private University $690/mo Highest cost

In this example, State University results in a $545/month lower loan payment than Private University — and over $100,000 less repaid over 20 years.

There’s one thing this estimate doesn’t show.

The monthly payment tells you the size of the commitment. It doesn’t show what types of loans typically make up that borrowing — or who may ultimately be responsible for repayment.

Understanding the borrowing behind your estimate →

Numbers can clarify a decision. They don’t always make it easier. The Insights series explores why.

This estimate assumes the remaining cost after grants and scholarships is borrowed.

This tool provides estimates based on the information entered and general assumptions. Actual costs, financial aid, and loan terms may vary. Review official financial aid offers carefully before making any final decisions. This is not financial advice.

This estimate uses standard loan assumptions (6% interest over 20 years) to give a consistent, comparable monthly cost across schools. Actual repayment costs may vary based on interest rates, loan type, deferment periods, and repayment plan.

Beyond the Numbers

Explore articles about college affordability, uncertainty, financial aid, and the choices families face between acceptance and enrollment.

Read the Insights series →

For Counselors & Educational Consultants

CollegeCostIQ helps families translate college costs into estimated monthly payments, making affordability conversations clearer, calmer, and easier to navigate together.

For counselors →