College Savings Calculator
Project inflation-adjusted education costs and the monthly savings needed after grants, existing funds and investment growth.
Financial Decision Lab
College Funding
Inflation-Aware Savings Plan
College Funding Workbench
Inputs Recalculate Instantly
Cost And Savings Inputs
Education Funding Plan
At Enrollment
Funding Readout
Projected Funding Level
97%
$205,593 projected against a $212,508 enrollment-date target.
First-Year Cost
$54,268
Funding Gap
$6,916
Required Monthly
$683
Current Plan Monthly
$650
Portfolio Range
Return Sensitivity
Lower Return
4.0%
80% Funded
Entered Return
6.0%
97% Funded
Higher Return
8.0%
117% Funded
Calculation Trace Show
Current Cost x (1 + Inflation)^Years$54,268PV At Enrollment Of Each College-Year Cost$212,508Funding Gap / Future-Value Annuity Factor$683DISCLAIMER: This tool provides educational planning estimates, not financial, investment, tax, legal, accounting, lending, or appraisal advice. Results depend on the assumptions you enter and may differ materially from actual outcomes. Rates, taxes, fees, market returns, benefits, and regulations can change. Consult qualified professionals before making consequential financial decisions.
What Is the College Savings Calculator?
The College Savings Calculator projects current annual education costs to enrollment, models multiple years of attendance, subtracts expected grants or family cash flow, and grows existing and future contributions at an explicit investment return. It separates the projected funding need from the monthly savings target and shows conservative, base and optimistic return scenarios.
How It Works
Enter the student's years until enrollment, current annual cost, years of attendance and expected education inflation. Add existing education savings, grants or annual family contributions, then set the investment return and contribution frequency. Review the projected cost, funding gap and required monthly saving; test higher inflation and lower returns for a more resilient plan.
When to Use It
Use it to start or revisit an education savings plan, compare public and private school cost assumptions, or understand how grants and a later enrollment date change the monthly target.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is education inflation separate?
- Tuition and related costs may not rise at the same rate as general consumer prices. Keeping it explicit makes a major assumption visible.
- Does this recommend a 529 plan?
- No. Account tax treatment, financial-aid rules, flexibility and state benefits vary. The tool models cash flows; compare account choices with a qualified adviser or official plan materials.
- Should I fully fund college before retirement?
- That is a household planning decision. Retirement borrowing options are limited, so many families balance education goals with emergency and retirement security.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-27