College Savings Calculator
Project future university tuition expenses and map your monthly savings plan. Model higher education inflation alongside investment compounding to graduate debt-free.
Years remaining to save and invest
Tuition, fees, room & board in today dollars
Years enrolled in degree program
Historical education cost inflation (typically 4-6%)
Current balance in 529 or education accounts
Annualized growth rate of investment portfolio
Monthly contribution needed to fully fund education
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the years until your child enters university.
- Provide current annual total costs for your target institution.
- Input expected college duration (typically 4 years).
- Enter your current education savings and expected investment growth rate.
- View your projected total tuition bill and required monthly 529 contribution.
Formula & Calculation Methodology
Compounds current tuition forward by higher-education inflation, subtracting compounded current assets to find required monthly annuity funding.
Worked Example
10 years until college, $25,000/yr tuition, 5% inflation, $15,000 current savings, 7% return
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is tuition inflation higher than general CPI inflation?↓
Higher education experiences higher inflation due to administrative overhead, campus facilities competition, and labor-intensive teaching structures.
What is a 529 College Savings Plan?↓
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment account in the US where investment gains grow free from federal taxes and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free.
What happens if my child receives a scholarship?↓
In a 529 plan, you can withdraw funds equal to the scholarship amount penalty-free, though earnings may be subject to ordinary income tax.
Can 529 funds be rolled into an IRA?↓
Under SECURE 2.0 legislation, up to $35,000 in unused 529 funds can be rolled over tax-free into a Roth IRA in the beneficiary name, subject to annual limits.
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Source Citation & Disclaimer
Informational tool only; not licensed tax, legal, or financial advice.