Free tool

Semester budget calculator

Add up the money you'll have this semester and the money you'll spend, then see what's left, and how much that is each week. Use it before your aid refund arrives. Nothing is stored.

The semester

Weeks in the semester Months of rent to cover

Money in

Aid refund for the semester ($)What's left of grants, scholarships and loans after the school is paid. Job hours a week Pay per hour ($, after tax) Family help a month ($)

Money out

Rent and utilities a month ($)Leave at 0 if housing is already paid to the school. Food a week ($)Groceries and eating out, beyond any meal plan. Books and supplies for the semester ($) Transport a month ($) Phone a month ($) Fun a week ($)

Left over each week

$38

Money in: $5,540
Money out: $4,940
Left for the semester: $600
Job earnings: $2,240
Rent for the semester: $2,600
Food for the semester: $1,120

You'd have about $38 a week of breathing room. Keep some as a cushion for surprises.

Uses the numbers you enter. Doesn't include tuition or fees already paid to your school. If your refund includes loans, it's money you'll repay. Estimates only, not financial aid advice.

Make it last

Turn the refund into a weekly amount. See planning your aid refund.
Trim the big three. See eating well on a student budget and ways to save on textbooks.
Short? Read borrow only what you need and talk to your financial aid office.