College Planner
Project your 529 savings against future college costs, model student loan payoff strategies, and compare how each funding route affects financial aid.
Your 529 plan
Child's current ageyears
0years17years
10 years until college
Current 529 balance$
$0$500,000+
Monthly contribution$
$0$5,000+
Annual contribution increase%
0%15%
Step up your monthly contribution by this much each year.
Expected annual return%
1%12%
Tuition inflation rate%
1%10%
School type
Today's cost: $29,910/year
Projection
- Projected 529 balance
- $82,838at college start in 10 years
- Estimated 4-year cost
- $209,990inflation-adjusted
- Savings gap
- $127,153
To close the gap, you need $1,054/month in additional contributions.
Consider opening a 529 planMost states offer a tax deduction for 529 contributions. Earnings grow tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
Save results
How this is calculated
We project the future cost of college (inflated tuition over 4 years), grow your 529 savings toward it, and estimate aid eligibility.
The steps
- Inflate today’s annual cost to each college year: cost × (1 + education inflation)^years.
- Grow your 529 balance + monthly contributions at your expected return to the start of college.
- Estimate the Expected Family Contribution from income and assets to gauge need-based aid.
Assumptions
- ~5% education inflation; the return and contributions you enter.
Good to know
- Aid formulas are simplified; actual awards vary by school (and FAFSA changes).
Related resources
Educational disclaimer. Everything on WealthSerene.com is educational and is not investment advice. Projections and calculations are illustrative; actual results depend on market conditions, your situation and factors outside this tool’s scope. For a decision specific to your situation, consult a qualified financial professional. View full disclosures
College cost projections use historical tuition inflation averages (5% default). Actual costs vary widely by institution. This tool does not account for financial aid, merit scholarships, or work-study. Consult your school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.