Free to use, no account
529 College Savings Calculator
Estimate future college costs, subtract a scholarship estimate, and compare the amount needed at enrollment with projected savings. The model treats tuition as paid at the start of each study year and discounts later years using your assumed return.
How much should I save in a 529 plan for college?
Enter today’s annual college cost, years until enrollment, study length, current savings, monthly deposits, estimated return, tuition inflation and scholarship per year. It estimates the fund needed at enrollment, then the monthly contribution that may reach it under those assumptions. Tuition is modeled as paid at the start of each study year.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I save in a 529 plan for college?
Enter today’s annual college cost, years until enrollment, study length, current savings, monthly deposits, estimated return, tuition inflation and scholarship per year. It estimates the fund needed at enrollment, then the monthly contribution that may reach it under those assumptions. Tuition is modeled as paid at the start of each study year.
Are my financial details uploaded?
No. The estimate runs in this browser. The calculator does not ask for an account, upload your inputs or store them after you leave.
Does the estimate include room and board?
No. Enter the annual cost you want to plan for; the projection covers that amount as tuition-like cost only. Add room, food, books or fees to the input yourself if you want to include them.
Does a 529 plan guarantee this return or target?
No. Return and tuition inflation are user-entered assumptions, not predictions or guarantees. The estimate assumes the same return before and during college, but actual performance, fees, taxes, costs and plan rules can change the result.
Can I include a scholarship?
Yes. Enter an estimated fixed scholarship amount for each college year. The calculator caps it at that year’s projected tuition and subtracts it from the funding target.