College Savings Calculator

Estimate a single education funding target at a future date, then calculate the month-end saving needed to reach it.

Enter your values to see an estimate. Enter 0 for amounts that do not apply.

How this calculator works

Today’s total education cost grows at your chosen effective annual cost inflation over months / 12 years. A monthly-compounding savings model then solves the contribution needed for that future target.

Worked example

A current total education cost of 12,000 with 0% cost inflation, no starting savings, 0% savings return and a 12-month horizon needs 1,000 per month.

Assumptions and limits

The target is one total cost at one funding date, not tuition paid over multiple college years. No grant, aid, tax deduction, 529 rule, institution price or guaranteed return is assumed.

How to choose your inputs

Build today’s total education cost from the years and expenses you intend to fund, using school cost information where available. Enter that combined amount as one target, along with the months until funding is needed. Keep the education-cost inflation assumption separate from the savings return: they change different sides of the funding gap.

How to interpret your result

The result answers how to fund one future lump sum, not how tuition bills and withdrawals unfold over several school years. Test lower savings returns and higher cost assumptions separately to see what drives the contribution. Account selection, financial aid and tax treatment are separate decisions; a 529 account’s rules are not calculated here.

Primary references

SEC Investor.gov: Questions before opening a 529 account

This educational estimate uses your inputs. It is not individualized financial, tax, insurance, or investment advice, a lender offer, approval decision, or a promise of future results.

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