College Savings (529) Calculator
Project future college costs with tuition inflation, and the monthly savings needed to cover them.
Every calculation runs locally in your browser. Actual future costs depend on the specific school and program — this projects a simple compound inflation rate applied to today's cost.
Projected total cost
$175,518
4 years, starting in 10 years
Required monthly savings
$960
For informational and educational purposes only — not financial, investment, or tax advice, and not a substitute for consulting a qualified professional about your specific situation. TrueMeasureKit is not liable for decisions made based on these results. See our Terms of Service.
Why later years of a degree cost more than the first
Tuition inflation compounds every year, including the years a student is actually enrolled — so a freshman year starting in 10 years costs less than that same student's senior year, three years later still. This projects each year of the degree separately at the same inflation rate rather than pricing the whole degree at a single year's cost, which would understate the total for any multi-year program.
Frequently asked questions
What tuition inflation rate should I use?
Historically, US college tuition has risen roughly 3–5% annually over long periods, though this varies by school type and year. Try a couple of rates to see how sensitive your monthly target is to the assumption.
Does this calculator account for 529 plan tax advantages?
No — it projects the savings math only. 529 plans offer tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified education expenses in most states, which is a separate benefit on top of what's modeled here; consult a tax advisor for specifics.