529 College Savings Calculator

How much college your 529 will cover.

Child's age

Starts college at

Years

Annual cost today ($)

College inflation %

Current balance ($)

Monthly ($)

Return %

You'll cover

36%

$117,871 of $329,296 total cost

Balance at college start

$115,158

Shortfall

$211,425

To fully fund, save

$940/mo

College costs have outpaced general inflation by 2 to 3 points historically. Most state 529 plans add a state tax deduction on top of tax-free growth. Some states (PA, AZ, KS, MN, MO) deduct contributions to any state's plan.

About

Project a 529 plan against future tuition. The tool inflates today's annual cost forward, grows your current balance and monthly contributions until college starts, then draws down across 4 years. Reports coverage percentage, shortfall, and the monthly amount needed to fully fund.

How to use

Enter the child's age.
Set today's annual cost and college inflation.
Add current balance and monthly savings.

FAQ

What inflation rate should I use?+

College costs have run 4 to 6 percent annually for decades, well above general CPI. 5 percent is a reasonable middle.

What if my kid gets a scholarship or doesn't go?+

529 funds can transfer to siblings or roll into a Roth IRA (up to 35k lifetime, after the account is 15+ years old) under SECURE 2.0.