529 Savings Goal Calculator
Set a savings target, the years until college, and an expected return to find the monthly contribution that gets you there — and see how much of the goal growth covers.
Start early, contribute less
The single biggest lever in college saving is time. Because contributions compound, money put away when a child is young does far more work than the same money saved a few years before tuition is due. Turning a big, distant target into a steady monthly number makes the goal feel reachable — and seeing how much of it growth covers shows why waiting is expensive.
Set your target with the College Cost Estimator first, then come back here to find the monthly amount that reaches it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the calculator find the monthly contribution?
It splits the goal into two parts. Any money you have already saved grows on its own to a future value at your assumed return, covering part of the target. The rest has to come from level monthly contributions, and the tool solves the future-value-of-an-annuity formula for the payment that grows to exactly that remaining amount over the months you have. The result is the steady monthly deposit that, with growth, reaches your goal on time.
Why does a higher return lower my required contribution?
Because growth does more of the work. When your money earns a return, each contribution compounds over the years until college, so you need to put in less to reach the same target. The 'growth does the rest' figure shows how much of the goal comes from investment gains rather than your own deposits — and the longer the time horizon, the larger that share becomes. This is the core argument for starting early.
What is a 529 plan and why use one for this?
A 529 is a tax-advantaged account designed for education savings: investments grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are generally tax-free at the federal level, with many states adding a deduction or credit for contributions. That tax treatment is why families use 529s rather than an ordinary account for college goals. This calculator estimates the contribution regardless of account type, but the tax benefits make a 529 a common home for it.
Is this financial advice?
No. This is an educational estimate that assumes a single, constant rate of return, which real investments never deliver — markets rise and fall, and a 529's actual returns depend on the funds you choose. It does not account for taxes, fees, or your risk tolerance. Treat the monthly figure as a planning target and consult a qualified financial or tax professional about a specific 529 plan and investment mix.
Estimates only, assuming a constant return that real investments never guarantee. Not financial or investment advice — consult a qualified professional about a specific plan.