College Savings Calculator
See what your college fund grows to — contributions vs. growth earned, and how it stacks up against your target cost. Or switch to “How much to save” and get the monthly contribution that hits your target. Works for 529 plans and any other college savings account.
Projected savings
$44,867
After 10 years at 7% annual return, compounding monthly.
Common questions
What is a 529 plan?
A 529 is a US tax-advantaged account for education savings: contributions grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified education expenses aren't taxed federally. Many states also offer a state tax deduction for contributions. The math in this calculator is universal — it works for any savings account — but a 529 is the most common US vehicle for college savings.
What return should I assume?
Age-based 529 portfolios typically assume around 6–7% long-term annual returns, gliding to more conservative investments as college approaches. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results — try a lower rate to see a conservative scenario.
Should I save for college before maxing retirement?
Most financial planners say secure your own retirement first: you can borrow for college, but you can't borrow for retirement. That said, even small early 529 contributions benefit hugely from compounding — the calculator shows exactly how much.