Free download Get the Budgeting Checklist + 3 worksheets — join the list to grab it free →

Will your savings actually cover university?

How this calculator works & sources ↓

Work out the total cost of a degree — tuition and living costs combined — and whether what you're currently putting aside will get there in time.

Switching region updates the currency and swaps in typical starting figures for that country — every number stays fully editable.

University costs

Work out the total cost of a degree and whether your current savings plan gets you there in time.

Total cost of the degree—
Projected savings by then—
Shortfall / surplus—
Monthly needed to cover it fully—
Free download

Want to turn this into a full plan? Grab the free Budgeting Checklist — a checklist plus 3 worksheets to put these numbers to work.

Get the free checklist →

Frequently asked questions

How is the total cost of a degree worked out?

We multiply the annual cost — tuition plus living costs — by the number of years of study. It's a simple estimate at today's prices; real costs tend to rise over time, so treat this as a starting point rather than a guarantee.

What counts as the annual cost?

Tuition fees plus realistic living costs — accommodation, food, and everyday expenses — for one year. Costs vary hugely by institution and location, so it's worth checking actual figures for the specific place being considered rather than relying on a national average.

What if there's a shortfall?

A shortfall isn't unusual — most families cover part of the cost through savings and the rest through student loans, grants, scholarships, or part-time work. The calculator shows the monthly amount that would close the gap entirely, so you can see how much of it savings alone could realistically carry.

Take the guesswork out of your budget

Grab the free Budgeting Checklist below — a checklist plus 3 fill-in worksheets, delivered straight to your inbox.

Free budgeting checklist preview

Get the free budgeting checklist


A checklist plus three worksheets to get your money in order, sent straight to your inbox. Occasional new calculators and money tips after that — nothing more.


You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

TRANSPARENT CALCULATIONS

How we calculate this

Combines the tuition, living costs and other expenses entered to create an illustrative total. Student funding, tuition rules and repayment arrangements vary by location and year.

Sources and further reading: Student Finance England

Methodology note added October 2026 · Prepared by Adam, founder of Life Figured · General educational estimates, not personalised financial advice. Rates and thresholds should be checked with official sources before making decisions.