College savings calculator
Explore an education savings goal and keep a plan the family can return to as your child grows.
Keep your plan
My saved toolsSave to your free account to keep this plan across devices. Sharing is optional and view only.
Projected education costs
$153,595Savings at college start
$59,114Projected funding gap
$94,481Estimated monthly contribution to reach the full goal: $715.
Projection covers 13 years before college. It totals future education costs without assuming further investment growth while attending college.
Year-by-year savings projection
| Age | Projected savings |
|---|---|
| 5 | $5,000 |
| 6 | $8,255 |
| 7 | $11,639 |
| 8 | $15,160 |
| 9 | $18,821 |
| 10 | $22,628 |
| 11 | $26,588 |
| 12 | $30,706 |
| 13 | $34,989 |
| 14 | $39,443 |
| 15 | $44,075 |
| 16 | $48,893 |
| 17 | $53,903 |
| 18 | $59,114 |
Contributions occur at month-end. The annual return is converted to an equivalent monthly rate. Returns and future costs are assumptions, not guarantees. Taxes, financial aid, withdrawals, and 529-specific benefits or restrictions are not modeled. Update your current age and balance when you revisit.
From today’s costs to a future goal
Enter an annual education cost in today’s dollars, the expected years of study, and an assumed yearly cost increase. The calculator inflates each year’s cost separately, then compares the total with savings projected at the start of college.
Use a return assumption that fits the scenario you want to explore. The starting values are examples, not investment recommendations. Investment values can fall, and real costs and returns will differ from a constant-rate projection.
Can I use this for a 529 plan?
You can model the savings balance and contributions of a 529 or another education savings account. This calculator does not apply tax benefits, eligibility rules, fees beyond your entered net return, or withdrawal restrictions. Read the SEC’s 529 plan overview for account-specific considerations.
Save to your free account and update the balance and ages when you return. A live view-only link lets family members follow the plan; this tool does not collect contributions. For shorter-term goals, try the savings challenge tracker.