College Savings Calculator
See what steady saving can become. Project a monthly contribution to your child’s college fund, or work backwards from a goal to the monthly amount that reaches it.
Projection
How the projection works
The tool counts the months between your child’s age now and the target age, then grows the money two ways. Any balance you have already saved compounds on its own, and each monthly contribution compounds from the month you add it — the standard formula for a regularly funded, monthly-compounding account.
In goal mode it runs that math in reverse: given the finish line and the time available, it solves for the single monthly figure that lands you there. The gap between what you contribute and the final value is the growth — the part the calendar does for you when you start early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does compound growth change the numbers?
Money you set aside early has the most time to earn returns on top of returns, so starting sooner matters more than saving more later. The calculator compounds monthly, so a modest amount begun when your child is young often finishes ahead of a larger amount started in their teens.
What return should I assume?
That is your call and depends entirely on how the money is invested. A diversified long-term portfolio has historically returned somewhere in the mid-single digits after inflation, but returns are never guaranteed and can be negative in any given year. Try a conservative figure and a hopeful one to see the range.
Can it tell me the monthly amount for a specific goal?
Yes. Switch to goal mode, enter your target amount and the age you'll need it, and the tool solves for the monthly contribution that gets you there — accounting for any balance you've already saved and its growth along the way.
Does this account for tax-advantaged accounts like a 529?
No. It is a plain compound-growth projection and does not model 529 plans, tax treatment, fees, or financial aid. Use it to get a feel for the size of the task, then talk to a qualified advisor about the right account for your situation.
Educational estimate only. Returns are not guaranteed and this is not investment, tax, or financial advice — consult a qualified professional before making decisions.