Quick guide
How to use this calculator
- Enter the balances, contributions, income, costs, ages, plan terms, and assumptions from the scenario you want to test.
- Keep currencies, periods, and nominal-versus-real rates consistent; compare more than one plausible scenario where outcomes are uncertain.
- Use the companion results and limits to understand funding gaps, timing trade-offs, and which assumptions drive the result.
Calculation method
Calculation method
Expected completed-program cost = net annual cost × years; expected earnings comparison is reported separately rather than treated as guaranteed.
Deterministic calculations use exact fixed-decimal arithmetic. The explicitly probabilistic success tool uses a reproducible seeded simulation and discloses its model.
Worked example
Worked example
Two programs with different annual net prices, durations, borrowing, completion assumptions, and starting earnings can be compared on consistent inputs.
Expected completed-program cost = net annual cost × years; expected earnings comparison is reported separately rather than treated as guaranteed.
Supported inputs
Precision and limits
Planning scope
Use comparable net-cost definitions and current program data. Completion and earnings are uncertain estimates; the calculator does not rank institutions, predict admission, or guarantee employment or income.
Payment timing conventions
Unless a timing selector says otherwise, recurring accumulation contributions are applied at month-end. Bridge withdrawals are valued at the beginning of each year. Pension lump-sum comparisons value pension payments at month-end. Withdrawal projections apply the return for a period before that period's withdrawal.
Return and inflation assumptions
Investment returns, inflation, education costs, earnings, healthcare costs, longevity, and plan outcomes are uncertain. Entered constant rates and simulated distributions are scenarios rather than forecasts.
No tax or statutory calculations
At the owner's direction, these calculators do not calculate tax, required distributions, government-benefit claiming, contribution limits, early-withdrawal penalties, education tax credits, or country-specific account rules.
Decision boundary
Results do not recommend a pension election, investment, withdrawal strategy, school, loan, retirement date, healthcare plan, or employment decision. Confirm plan terms and consequential choices with the relevant administrator or qualified professional.
Precision and privacy
Plain decimals accept up to 30 digits and 12 decimal places. Calculations remain in this browser and raw entered values are not submitted to 365CALCS.COM.
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