School starts soon. Plan your budget now.

Back to School · 2026

Back to School 2026: Budget & Save

From school supplies to student loans, plan your education expenses with free calculators. Budget smarter for the 2026-2027 school year.

5 curated tools6 expert tips

100% free · No sign-up required · Instant results

$10,940

Average annual college tuition (public)

$37,338

Average student loan debt at graduation

53%

Families using savings for college

$890

Average back-to-school spending per family

Recommended Tools for Back to School 2026

Each tool below is selected for this season with a specific reason why it matters right now.

Student Loan Calculator

Calculate student loan payments with Standard, Graduated, and Income-Driven repayment plans

Why now: Estimate monthly payments and total interest on student loans

Savings Goal Calculator

Calculate how long to reach your savings goal or how much to save monthly

Why now: Set a savings target for tuition, books, and supplies

Compound Interest Calculator

Calculate compound interest with contributions and visual growth chart

Why now: See how early saving for college can dramatically reduce loan needs

Debt Payoff Calculator

Calculate how long to pay off debt with avalanche or snowball strategies

Why now: Create a plan to pay off existing student loans faster

Income Tax Calculator

Estimate US federal income tax with brackets, FICA, and take-home pay

Why now: Estimate taxes on part-time and summer job income

Compare Student Loan Rates

Find the lowest rates on private student loans. Check your rate with no credit impact.

Check Rates

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Tips & Advice

Apply for scholarships and grants first

Free money should always come before loans. Apply to at least 10 scholarships, including local ones with less competition.

Buy used textbooks or rent

Textbook costs average $1,200/year. Renting, buying used, or finding digital versions can cut that by 50-80%.

Take advantage of student discounts

Your .edu email unlocks discounts on software, streaming, food, transportation, and more. Always ask if a student discount is available.

Start a side hustle on campus

Tutoring, freelancing, or part-time campus jobs help cover expenses without derailing your studies.

Understand your loan terms

Know the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you are in school.

Open a student checking account

Many banks offer free checking with no minimum balance for students. Avoid monthly fees that add up over time.

Key Statistics