529 Plan Calculator

Project 529 college savings growth. See if you are on track to cover tuition with inflation-adjusted costs.
years
years
$
$
%
$
years

Total College Cost

$176,766.87

With 4% inflation

Projected Savings

$58,861.83

Funding

33%

Funding Gap

$117,905.04

Monthly Needed to Fully Fund

$750.77

529 Plan Projection

Years Until College13 years
Total College Cost (with inflation)$176,766.87
Current Balance$0.00
Total Contributions$39,000.00
Investment Growth+ $19,861.83
Projected Savings at College$58,861.83
Funding Gap$117,905.04
Monthly Contribution Needed$750.77

Use the 529 Plan Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our 529 Plan Calculator helps you project the potential growth of your college savings, taking into account future tuition inflation. This tool is crucial for understanding whether your current contributions will adequately cover the rising costs of higher education by the time your student enrolls. For instance, the average in-state tuition at public four-year universities is projected to be around $12,000 annually by 2026, and private universities could exceed $45,000 annually.

This calculator uses a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for your 529 plan investments, typically assuming an average annual return of 5-7% after fees. We then apply an estimated annual tuition inflation rate, often around 3-5%, to project future college costs. The difference between your projected 529 balance and the inflation-adjusted tuition costs will reveal any potential savings gap.

When using this calculator, remember that investment returns are not guaranteed and tuition inflation can vary significantly. A common mistake is underestimating future tuition costs, especially for out-of-state or private universities. It's also important to regularly review and adjust your savings plan as your child grows and financial circumstances change.

Example: Saving for a Child Born in 2024

  1. 1 Input: A child born in 2024, planning for 18 years of saving. Initial 529 contribution of $5,000, with monthly contributions of $200. Assumed annual 529 growth rate of 6%, and an annual tuition inflation rate of 4%. Target: 4 years of in-state public university tuition, currently $10,000/year (as of 2023).
  2. 2 Calculation: The calculator projects the future value of the initial investment and monthly contributions over 18 years, compounded at 6%. Simultaneously, it inflates the current $10,000 annual tuition by 4% over the same 18-year period to determine the future cost of 4 years of college.
  3. 3 Result: After 18 years, your 529 plan is projected to have approximately $90,000. However, the inflation-adjusted cost of 4 years of in-state public university tuition is estimated to be around $110,000.
  4. 4 Context: This result indicates a potential shortfall of approximately $20,000. To cover this gap, you might consider increasing your monthly contributions, exploring higher-growth investment options within your 529 plan, or adjusting your college savings goals.

Source: FSA · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What can 529 plan funds be used for?
Qualified expenses include college tuition, room and board, books, supplies, computers, and required equipment. Up to $10,000/year can also be used for K-12 tuition. Up to $35,000 lifetime can be rolled to a Roth IRA for the beneficiary.
What are the tax benefits of a 529 plan?
Earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free. Over 30 states also offer a state income tax deduction or credit for contributions.
What happens to a 529 plan if my child does not go to college?
You can change the beneficiary to another family member, use it for trade schools or apprenticeship programs, roll up to $35,000 into a Roth IRA (after 15 years), or withdraw the funds with a 10% penalty plus taxes on earnings.

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