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529 College Savings Calculator

Calculate how much to save monthly for college and see how a 529 plan grows over time. Compare starting at birth vs age 10 and find your monthly savings target.

Quick answer: College savings targets depend on current age, expected tuition inflation, investment return, and how much of the cost you plan to cover. Starting earlier reduces the monthly contribution needed.

Projected 4-Year Cost
$263,991
Projected 4-Year Cost
$263,991
Years Until College
13
Current Savings at College
$12,049
Monthly Savings Needed
$995
Breakdown
$277,035total
Projected 4-Year Cost$263,991
Current Savings at College$12,049
Monthly Savings Needed$995
Total$277,035
Diagnostic

Your headline result: $263,991.

Compound growth is the cheapest yield in finance — start earlier, contribute more, pay less in fees.

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What to do next

Find savings options for education goals

Your action plan
  1. 1

    Calculate the baseline result with your current numbers

    How much to save monthly to fund your child's college education.

  2. 2

    Pressure-test one alternate scenario before deciding

    Assumptions change the answer, especially when rates, taxes, or timing matter.

  3. 3

    Use the linked guide or product page for the next step

    Turn the result into a prioritized action instead of treating it as a one-off number.

Find savings options for education goals

This is an educational estimate, not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Tax rules, rates, and eligibility change and depend on your full situation. Confirm with a qualified professional or the provider before acting.

Calculator action path

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Reviewed Jul 9, 2026 · Methodology

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

What is a 529 plan and should I use one?
A 529 is a state-sponsored tax-advantaged savings plan for education expenses. Contributions grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are tax-free. Most states also offer a state income tax deduction on contributions. For most families, 529s are the optimal college savings vehicle.
What if my child does not go to college?
The SECURE 2.0 Act allows unused 529 funds to roll into a Roth IRA for the beneficiary (up to $35,000 lifetime, subject to annual limits). You can also change the beneficiary to a sibling. Withdrawals for non-education purposes are taxed plus a 10% penalty on earnings only.
Is the 529 College Savings Calculator free to use?
Yes. SwitchWize calculators are free, and you do not need an account to run scenarios or view the result.
Does using the 529 College Savings Calculator affect my credit score?
No. Using a calculator does not trigger a credit check. A credit impact can occur only if you apply directly with a lender, card issuer, or provider.
Are the results personalized financial advice?
No. Calculator outputs are educational estimates based on the inputs you enter. Review assumptions and confirm terms directly with providers before making a financial decision.
What should I do after seeing the result?
Use the recommendation module on this page to find savings options for education goals, or run Money Map to compare this investing & retirement decision with your other opportunities.
How does SwitchWize choose related offers?
Related offers are matched by the calculator surface (general) and ranked using SwitchWize data such as rate, fees, trust signals, product fit, and switching friction. Paid relationships do not change organic ranking order.
How fresh are the rates and offers shown?
Rate and offer data is reviewed on a recurring cadence and every offer module shows review context or links to the methodology and disclosure pages.
Where can I see the ranking methodology?
The SwitchWize methodology page explains how rate freshness, editorial review, affiliate disclosure, and category ranking factors work.
Can Money Map use this result?
Yes. Money Map is the broader diagnostic path: it compares savings, mortgage, cards, and debt so you can see whether this calculator result is your highest-impact next move.

Why This Matters

Average 4-year public university cost in 2026: $110,000. Private: $240,000. Starting a 529 plan at birth vs at age 10 — same contribution — produces dramatically different outcomes. Starting early is the entire game.

How to Use It

  1. 1Enter your child's current age and target college start age
  2. 2Enter a monthly savings amount or target amount
  3. 3Set expected return (529 plans hold investments)
  4. 4See projected balance and whether it covers projected tuition
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Find savings options for education goals