529 College Savings Calculator
Project how a 529 plan grows with regular contributions before college starts.
Want to understand the concept, not just the number? Read The Family Tax Credits Guide and more below.
| Year | Start | Contributions | Growth | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,000 | $3,600 | $409 | $9,009 |
| 2 | $9,009 | $3,600 | $656 | $13,265 |
| 3 | $13,265 | $3,600 | $919 | $17,784 |
| 4 | $17,784 | $3,600 | $1,198 | $22,582 |
| 5 | $22,582 | $3,600 | $1,493 | $27,675 |
| 6 | $27,675 | $3,600 | $1,808 | $33,083 |
| 7 | $33,083 | $3,600 | $2,141 | $38,824 |
| 8 | $38,824 | $3,600 | $2,495 | $44,919 |
| 9 | $44,919 | $3,600 | $2,871 | $51,390 |
| 10 | $51,390 | $3,600 | $3,270 | $58,261 |
| 11 | $58,261 | $3,600 | $3,694 | $65,555 |
| 12 | $65,555 | $3,600 | $4,144 | $73,299 |
| 13 | $73,299 | $3,600 | $4,622 | $81,520 |
| 14 | $81,520 | $3,600 | $5,129 | $90,249 |
| 15 | $90,249 | $3,600 | $5,667 | $99,516 |
How it's calculated
Your contributions compound monthly inside the 529 until college begins. When the money is used for qualified education expenses, all of that growth comes out federal-tax-free, which is the plan’s main advantage.
Time is the biggest factor. A $10,000 balance left to grow at 7% becomes about $20,096 in 10 years on its own, and regular monthly contributions push a college fund much higher. Starting when a child is young gives the account far more room to compound than starting in high school.
Many states also offer a tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions, on top of the federal-tax-free growth. This calculator projects the balance itself, so check your own state’s rules for the extra benefit.
Assumptions
- Returns compound monthly, and contributions are made at month end.
- Growth in a 529 is tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
Last updated: 2026-08-07
These assumptions follow our general methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What if my child does not go to college?
A 529 can be transferred to another beneficiary, and limited amounts can now be rolled to a Roth IRA under certain conditions. Non-qualified withdrawals of earnings face tax and a penalty.
Can I use a 529 for more than tuition?
Yes. Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, books, and room and board at eligible schools, plus limited amounts for K-12 tuition and student loan repayment. Non-qualified withdrawals of earnings owe tax and a penalty.
How much should I save for college?
That depends on the type of school and how many years away it is. Set a target and use the Savings Goal calculator to find the monthly contribution that reaches it.