College Savings Calculator
How much might you have saved for college when school starts?
A college savings calculator helps turn a vague education goal into a monthly number and a rough timeline. Use this free tool to estimate a future balance from a starting balance, monthly contributions, years until school starts, and an assumed annual return (compounded monthly), whether you are saving for yourself or a child.
Many families use 529 plans or other education accounts; rules vary by state and plan. This page does not model taxes, penalties, financial aid, or investment fees, only simple math to help you think about the shape of a plan.
Your inputs
Current balance, monthly contribution (for you or your child), years until the money is needed, and an assumed annual return (compounded monthly).
Many families use a conservative rate for planning. Set to 0% to ignore growth and see contributions only.
Projected balance & breakdown
- Estimated Balance
- $77,967
- Total Contributions
- $55,400
- Illustrative Growth
- $22,567
End Balance
$77,967
Education savings balance over time
Modeled path with steady monthly contributions; the horizontal axis is in years.
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.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I save for college?
It depends on costs, aid, and how much you want to cover for yourself or your child. This college savings calculator shows one possible path: steady monthly savings plus a 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 for yourself or your child; run your net need separately and treat the chart as one piece of the puzzle.
