Your inputs
Current balance, how much you add each month, years until the money is needed, and an assumed annual return (compounded monthly).
1 yr22 yr
Many families use a conservative rate for planning. Set to 0% to ignore growth and see contributions only.
Projected balance
- Estimated balance
- $77,967
- Total you put in
- $55,400
- Illustrative growth
- $22,567
Contributions vs growth
Split of ending balance at your assumed return.
Estimated education savings balance $77,967. Contributions $55,400, illustrative growth $22,567.
End balance
$77,967
Balance over time
Modeled path with steady monthly contributions.
Frequently asked questions
- How much should I save for college?
- It depends on costs, aid, and how much you want to cover. This tool shows one possible path: steady monthly savings plus starting balance, with optional growth—use it to stress-test “what if we save $X per month for Y years?”
- Is this a 529 plan calculator?
- It is a general education-savings projection, not a full 529 rules engine. Real 529 accounts have state rules, tax benefits, limits, and qualified expenses this page does not model.
- Does this include financial aid or scholarships?
- No. Aid and scholarships reduce what you must save; run your net need separately and treat the chart as one piece of the puzzle.
Related free tool: Monthly Savings Goal Calculator — Set a savings target, what you already have, and your timeline—see the monthly contribution required and a simple growth chart.