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College Savings Calculator

Project your college savings — what your current balance plus monthly contributions will grow to, and whether it meets your cost goal.

What's saved so far.
What you'll add each month.
Long-run growth of the account.
Time to grow.
Total you're aiming to cover.
Projected balance
Gap to your goal
Total contributions
Investment growth

Estimate assuming a steady return compounded monthly. College costs and market returns vary. 529 earnings are tax-free for qualified education expenses — check current rules. General information, not investment advice.

No sign-up No ads Runs in your browser — your numbers never leave your device

Start early, let growth do the work

College savings in a 529 grow tax-free for qualified expenses, and the earlier you start, the more compounding does the heavy lifting. This tool projects your balance and shows the gap to your goal so you can adjust the monthly amount now, while small changes still compound.

Balance = current × (1+r)ⁿ + monthly × ((1+r)ⁿ − 1) ÷ r

Quick FAQ

What return should I assume?

Age-based 529 portfolios grow more aggressively when college is far off and get conservative as it nears. A 6–7% long-run average is common early; lower it as the date approaches.

What if there's a gap?

Raise the monthly contribution, start earlier, or plan to cover the rest with income, scholarships, or aid. Even a small increase now compounds meaningfully over a decade.

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More questions

Is the College Savings Calculator free to use?

Yes. The College Savings Calculator is completely free, runs in your browser, and never asks for a signup, email, or download. Enter your numbers and the result updates instantly.

How accurate is this calculator?

It uses standard formulas and recalculates the moment you change a value, so the math is exact for the inputs you enter. Treat the result as a reliable planning estimate; for decisions with legal or tax consequences, confirm the figures with a qualified professional.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. The calculator is mobile-friendly and works on any phone, tablet, or computer — there is no app to install and nothing to save.

Can I add this calculator to my own website?

Yes. Scroll to “Add this free calculator to your site” above and copy the embed snippet to place the live calculator on your blog or website for free.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Free to use, no signup — College Savings Calculator by ToolWise Digital.

Add this free calculator to your site

Copy the snippet to embed the live calculator on your blog or website — free for any site. The small “Calculator by ToolWise Digital” credit line keeps it free; you're welcome to remove it, but we appreciate you leaving it.

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