College Savings (529) Calculator
A 529 plan grows over years, but college costs are climbing at the same time, so the gap is what matters. Set your current savings, monthly contribution, time horizon, return, and the cost of college today to see where you land. Move any slider and the projection follows.
How this math works
The tool compounds your current savings and adds your monthly contributions over the years until college, using the annual return you set. It then grows the current annual cost by the cost inflation rate to estimate a four-year total at enrollment.
Comparing the projected savings to that projected cost shows whether you have a surplus or a gap. College costs have historically risen faster than general inflation, which is why a separate cost inflation slider is included.
Common questions
What is a 529 plan?
A 529 is a tax-advantaged account for education expenses. Earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified costs such as tuition, fees, and room and board.
Why project college costs separately?
College prices have tended to rise faster than everyday inflation, so a flat cost would understate the gap. The cost inflation slider lets you model that faster climb.
Does this guarantee my college costs are covered?
No. Returns are not guaranteed and actual college costs vary widely by school. Treat the result as a planning estimate, not a promise.
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