College Savings Target Calculator
Monthly 529 contribution needed to fund college 18 years from now.
College-savings + kids-and-money reading
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About this tool
US public 4-year college now costs an average of $28,000/year all-in (2026, in-state); private 4-year averages $59,000/year. Assuming 4% education inflation, that grows to $56,000 and $118,000 respectively by the time a newborn today enters college. Starting a 529 plan at birth with tax-advantaged growth requires far less than paying out-of-pocket at enrollment.
Formula & notes
Required monthly contribution = FV(target) × [i / ((1+i)^n − 1)] where i is the monthly return rate and n is months to enrollment. Inputs: current annual cost, years to college, expected education inflation (default 4%), expected investment return (default 6% after fees), coverage target (100% = full ride, 50% = half). Assumes contributions at start of each month. Actual 529 returns vary; this is a planning estimate, not a guarantee.
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