College Savings Calculator
Plan for your child's education with 529 plan projections. Calculate future college costs, determine required monthly savings, and track your progress toward education funding goals.
Age in years (0-18)
Time to save before college
Current cost per year (4-year total)
Typical: 5-6% annually
529 plan average: 6-8%
Amount already saved
How much you're currently saving each month
529 Plan Ready
Calculations optimized for 529 college savings plans with tax-advantaged growth projections.
Inflation Adjusted
Accounts for education inflation to project realistic future college costs.
100% Private
All calculations happen in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 529 plan?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to help families save for future education costs. Earnings grow federal tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses like tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Many states also offer tax deductions for contributions.
How much should I save for college?
The amount varies based on school type and location. Public in-state universities currently average $25,000-30,000 per year for tuition, fees, and room and board, while private colleges can exceed $50,000 per year. For a 4-year degree, total costs can range from $100,000 to $300,000+ depending on the school. Use this calculator with your target school's costs to determine your specific savings goal.
What is a reasonable expected return for college savings?
Historically, age-based 529 portfolios have returned 6-8% annually, depending on asset allocation and market conditions. Conservative estimates typically use 6-7%, while more aggressive portfolios might project 7-9%. The calculator defaults to 7% as a moderate, reasonable estimate. Remember that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Should I account for financial aid?
While many families receive some financial aid, it's generally wise to plan for the full cost. Financial aid eligibility depends on many factors and isn't guaranteed. Having too much saved is better than not enough, and 529 funds can be used for graduate school, transferred to other beneficiaries, or withdrawn (with taxes and penalties on earnings only).
What if I can't afford the required monthly savings?
Save what you can. Any amount helps reduce future student loan burden. Also consider state tax deductions for 529 contributions (many states offer $2,000-10,000+ in annual deductions), encouraging family gifts to the 529 account, and setting up automatic contribution increases when you receive raises. Even $50-100 per month adds up significantly over time with compound growth.
Is my financial data private?
Yes, absolutely! All calculations happen entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your financial information is never sent to any server or stored anywhere. This tool works completely offline after the page loads.