529 College Savings Calculator
See how a 529 plan grows. Enter your balance, monthly contribution and timeline to project the future value and how much of the college bill it covers.
Compare top-rated 529 plans
Learn moreWhy start a 529 early
A 529 grows tax-free when used for qualified education expenses, so every year of compounding matters. Because growth is exponential, the dollars you contribute when your child is young do far more work than the same dollars contributed near college.
How it’s calculated & sources
Future value = current balance compounded at the expected monthly return, plus the future value of your monthly contributions. Coverage compares that balance to the college cost you enter.
Benchmark: projected college cost. Average published 2024–25 cost of attendance was ~$29,000/yr public in-state and ~$62,000/yr private (College Board).
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.
Worked example
Starting with $5,000 and adding $300/month for 15 years at 6% grows to about $99,500 — covering roughly 83% of a $120,000 goal.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don’t use all of it?
Up to $35,000 of leftover 529 funds can be rolled to the beneficiary’s Roth IRA (subject to rules), or you can change the beneficiary to another family member.
Is the return guaranteed?
No — 529s are invested, usually in age-based portfolios that get more conservative as college nears. Returns vary with the market.