529 College Savings Calculator
Project a 529 balance, the inflation-adjusted 4-year cost, and the funding gap.
Ad · leaderboard
Inputs
$
$
%
$
%
Projected 529 balance
$99,516.08
Projected 4-yr cost: $232,839.96
Funding gap
$133,323.87
Balance growth
Ad · rectangle
Ad · in-content
How it works
Balance compounds monthly to the start age. College cost grows at the chosen inflation rate. The gap is what's still needed.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I park savings?
Short-term goals: high-yield savings or short CDs. Long-term: a diversified portfolio.
How big should my emergency fund be?
Most planners suggest 3–6 months of essential expenses, more if income is variable.
What's APY?
Annual Percentage Yield — the rate including compounding. Always compare APYs, not APRs.
Are bank accounts safe?
FDIC-insured accounts are protected up to $250,000 per depositor per bank per ownership category.
Should I lock money in a CD?
Only if you don't need it during the term — early withdrawals carry penalties.
Related calculators
Ad · anchor