College Savings Calculator
College costs inflation is relentless. This calculator projects what college will actually cost when your child enrolls — and how much you need to save each month to fund it.
About this tool
A 529 plan grows tax-free for college. But how much will college actually cost in 13 years? This calculator inflates today's costs at 5% annually, projects your 529 balance, and tells you if you're on track — or how much more you need to save.
How to use it
Quick steps to get the most out of this utility.
- 1
Enter child's age
College starts at 18 — the calculator computes years remaining.
- 2
Enter current 529 balance and contributions
What you have now and what you plan to add monthly.
- 3
Enter current annual college cost
Today's tuition + room and board at your target school type.
- 4
See if you're on track
Projected balance vs inflated costs — and the contribution needed to close any gap.
Why College Cost Inflation Matters More Than Investment Returns
College costs have historically risen 5-6% annually — more than double general CPI and often faster than stock market averages in real terms. A child born today will face tuition bills 2-3x higher in real dollars than today's rates. This is why this calculator front-loads the inflation assumption: the enemy isn't insufficient returns, it's underestimating the cost target.
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost today on average?+
For 2025-26, the College Board reports average costs (tuition + room & board) of $25,300 for public in-state, $43,900 for public out-of-state, and $57,600 for private four-year colleges. This calculator defaults to $30,000 — a reasonable mid-range for public in-state — but you should adjust to your target school type.
Is a 529 the best way to save for college?+
For most families, yes — tax-free growth and withdrawals make 529s hard to beat for college savings. Alternatives include Coverdell ESAs (low contribution limit), UTMA accounts (flexible but no tax-free growth for education), and I Bonds (inflation-linked but complicated withdrawal rules). If you have an HSA and pay medical out of pocket, HSA funds can also be used for education after 65.
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More views of the same calculator
Open main calculator →Same underlying engine, written for different use cases. Pick the angle that matches your situation.