Calcoid

529 Calculator

Project your child's 529 college savings against future tuition. Compares fund growth to inflated college costs and shows the monthly contribution needed.

Your 529 college savings plan

Projected 529 balance in 13 years

$137,705

Projected total college cost: $227,567

Projected shortfall.

Gap at college start: $70,518

Current savings at college start

$21,329

Contributions at college start

$116,376

Total contributed

$88,000

First-year college cost

$52,798

Required monthly to fully fund

$803

Tax notes

Qualified withdrawals from a 529 plan are federal income tax-free when used for eligible education expenses. Many states also offer an income tax deduction or credit for contributions to an in-state plan, so check your state's rules before choosing where to open the account.

529 Savings Growth Examples

Projected fund balance from $10,000 today plus $200 at each month end, using the calculator's effective annual return assumption.

Annual ReturnYears Until CollegeTotal ContributionsProjected Fund
4%5$22,000.00$25,402.33
4%8$29,200.00$36,202.39
6%12$38,800.00$61,711.53
7%18$53,200.00$117,982.95
8%25$70,000.00$250,282.94

The full calculator separately projects college costs using the entered education-cost inflation rate.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 529 Calculator

What is a 529 plan?
A 529 plan is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged investment account designed to pay for qualified education expenses. Contributions grow federal income tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are also free of federal income tax. You can usually invest in any state's plan regardless of where you live.
Are 529 withdrawals really tax-free?
Withdrawals used for qualified education expenses at an eligible institution are free of federal income tax on both contributions and earnings. Non-qualified withdrawals owe federal income tax plus a 10% penalty on the earnings portion.
Why is college cost inflation set higher than CPI?
College tuition has historically risen 4% to 6% per year, well above the roughly 2% to 3% general CPI. The default 5% reflects long-run averages for published tuition at four-year US colleges.
What annual return should I assume on a 529?
Most 529 plans offer age-based portfolios that start stock-heavy and shift toward bonds as the child approaches college. A moderate blend has historically returned about 6% to 7% per year over long horizons. The default 6% sits in the middle of that range.
What if my child does not go to college or earns a scholarship?
Unused funds may be changed to another eligible family beneficiary, used for qualifying expenses, or withdrawn subject to the applicable tax rules. Beginning in 2026, federal law allows up to $20,000 per year for qualified K-12 expenses. Separate lifetime limits and conditions apply to student-loan payments and beneficiary Roth IRA rollovers. State tax treatment can differ from federal rules.

Related Calculators

More calculators in "Finance"

Roth Conversion CalculatorCash on Cash Return CalculatorRental Property CalculatorHSA CalculatorHSA Contribution CalculatorStraight Line Depreciation Calculator
See all 219 calculators in "Finance"