529 College Savings Calculator
Project 529 savings against the rising cost of four years of college and find the monthly saving that closes the gap.
College costs have risen faster than general inflation for decades. A 529 plan lets savings grow tax free to meet them.
This calculator compares what you will have with what four years will cost.
How it works
Your savings compound monthly until college starts. The cost of each of the four years is inflated to the year it falls due.
The shortfall is the difference. The calculator then finds the monthly saving that would cover it.
The formula
c = college cost inflation, k = 0 to 3 for the four college years.
Tips
- Many states give a tax deduction for 529 contributions. Check your state's plan first.
- Grandparents can contribute too. Their gifts compound just the same.
Frequently asked questions
What can 529 money be used for?
Tuition, fees, books, room and board, some K-12 tuition and apprenticeships. Leftover funds can roll into a Roth IRA within limits.
This is not financial advice. Nothing on this site is investment, tax, legal or financial advice of any kind.
The calculators give simplified estimates from the numbers you enter. They ignore taxes, fees, rate changes and real market returns, and they can be wrong.
Do not make financial decisions based on these results. Speak to a licensed financial adviser, accountant or lender before acting, and read the full disclaimer.