Should I Live At Home, On Campus, Or Off Campus?

Before deciding on room and board options when attending college, it may help to itemize and project expenses. These expenses will vary depending on whether you will commute from home, stay on campus or rent an apartment off campus. Use this calculator to help determine costs associated with these alternatives.

Assumptions

Number of years until college

Estimated annual inflation rate: (%)

Number of months expenses incurred each year

Expenses

	At Home	On Campus	Off Campus
Cell phone
Clothing
College activity fees
Computer equipment
Entertainment
Food: (meals)
Food: (snacks)
Furnishings: (one-time)
Furnishings: (monthly rental)
Health: (insurance, copays, prescriptions)
Housing: (cable)
Housing: (renter's insurance)
Housing: (utilities)
Housing: (rent)
Housing: (one-time deposit)
Internet access
Laundry
Memberships: (gym, sports, etc)
Parking fees
Personal (haircuts, household items, etc.)
Telephone
Transportation: (gas)
Transportation: (insurance)
Transportation: (maintenance)
Transportation: (payments)
Travel expenses
Utilities deposit: (one-time)

This information may help you analyze your financial needs. It is based on information and assumptions provided by you regarding your goals, expectations and financial situation. The calculations do not infer that the company assumes any fiduciary duties. The calculations provided should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. In addition, such information should not be relied upon as the only source of information. This information is supplied from sources we believe to be reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Hypothetical illustrations may provide historical or current performance information. Past performance does not guarantee nor indicate future results.