Opportunity Cost Calculator | The Real Cost of College
Calculate how much money you lose by going to university instead of working. Factor in lost wages and compound interest.
Total Opportunity Cost
-$198,156
By age 22, you are $198,156 poorer than if you had started working immediately.
Forgone Wages
Salary you didn't earn while sitting in lectures.
Lost Compound and Time
4 years of missing compound interest on those wages.
The "Gap" Formation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is opportunity cost?
It's the value of what you lose when you choose one option over another. Here, it's the 3-4 years of salary and career experience you miss while studying.
Does this factor in part-time work?
We assume full-time wages for the alternative path. If you work part-time during uni, the opportunity cost is slightly lower, but usually negligible compared to a full-time career salary.