529 College Savings Calculator
Project your 529 plan growth and how much of future college costs it will cover. See the monthly savings needed to close the gap.
529 College Savings Calculator
Project your 529 savings and coverage for future college costs
Tuition + room & board. Avg public in-state: ~$26k
Your 529 would cover 35% of costs, leaving a $171,584.32 gap. Saving $1,028.76/month would close it.
Assumes monthly compounding at 1/12 of the annual return and that the full 529 balance is used before college starts. Assumes the child starts at age 18. 529 earnings grow tax-free and are not taxed on qualified withdrawals for tuition, room, board, and books. Many states offer a state income tax deduction for contributions (typically up to $5,000-$10,000/yr).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I save in a 529 for college?+
Saving $300/month from birth at 6% return grows to about $65,000 by age 18 — covering ~2 years of public in-state college. With $600/month it grows to ~$130,000, nearly covering 4 years. Use this calculator with your college cost and child's age for your exact target.
How does a 529 plan grow?+
A 529 is an investment account with mutual-fund-style portfolios. Earnings grow federal-tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses (tuition, room & board, books, K-12 tuition up to $10,000/yr). Many states also offer a state income tax deduction on contributions.
What is the 5-year 529 contribution rule?+
The IRS lets you front-load 5 years of the annual gift exclusion ($18,000 × 5 = $90,000 in 2024/2025) into a 529 without triggering gift tax, as long as you file a gift tax return. This is a popular strategy for grandparents or large one-time gifts.
How much should I save in a 529 for college?
Saving $300/month from birth at 6% return grows to about $65,000 by age 18 — covering ~2 years of public in-state college. With $600/month it grows to ~$130,000, nearly covering 4 years. Use this calculator with your college cost and child's age for your exact target.
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