Student Budget Calculator
Calculate your student budget and more
This student budget calculator is specifically designed to help students understand their expenses and income while attending a university, college or other full-time educational institution.
To get the most realistic budget as a full-time college student, our calculator allows you to input all of your expenses and income for an eight-month school year running from September through April.
How to budget in college
Budgeting in college may take some creativity and dedication, but it doesn't have to be restrictive. Crafting a well-rounded, realistic budget not only helps you manage your current finances, but also sets you up for future financial success.
Here's how to create a budget while earning your degree:
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Itemize your monthly spending: Go over your credit, debit and bank statements to identify your necessary monthly expenses like rent and utilities (if not living on campus), transportation costs, groceries and insurance costs.
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Analyze discretionary expenses: After you've recorded how much is spent on everyday expenses, check all of your monthly statements to see how much you spend on non-essentials, including eating out, clothing shopping and subscription services.
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Compare spending to income: Compare your monthly income to the amount going out each month. If you're struggling to make ends meet or come out to a deficit, cut out some of those expenses and set a monthly discretionary spending limit. For example, instead of eating out two to three times a week, save eating out for special occasions or once a week or start shopping at discount grocery stores and farmers markets instead of boutique stores.