Financial Toolset

529 College Savings Calculator - Education Savings Planner

Calculate 529 savings needed for college. Plan education costs from K-12 through university. Free college savings calculator.

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Calculator

$0$500000
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$0$10000
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0%15%
%

Results

Years Until College
0.00
Estimated Total College Cost (4 years)
$0.00
Projected 529 Balance at Age 18
$0.00
Projected Shortfall
$0.00
% of College Costs Covered
0.0%
Total Contributions (Principal)
$0.00
Investment Growth (Earnings)
$0.00

529 Plan Benefits

529 plans offer tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified education expenses. Many states offer tax deductions for contributions. Start early—$250/month from birth can grow to $100k+ by age 18 with compound growth.

Sources & References

Saving for College - 529 Plans
https://www.savingforcollege.com/

Key Financial Terms

Understand the essential concepts behind this calculator

529 Plan (Qualified Tuition Plan)

A tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs, with tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified expenses.

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View all financial terms in our glossary →

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the 529 College Savings Calculator - Education Savings Planner

Average costs (2024): Public in-state $28k/year ($112k total), Public out-of-state $46k/year ($184k total), Private $60k/year ($240k total). Costs increase 3-5% annually. Starting early with $250-500/month can cover most public college costs.

📚 Sources & Research

The Knot's 2024 Real Weddings Study: Comprehensive survey of 15,000+ couples providing average wedding costs, regional variations, and industry trends. Used for baseline cost data and guest count analysis.
Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED): Official government data on credit card interest rates, showing average APR of 21.99% as of 2024. Used for credit card financing calculations and warnings.
Bankrate.com Personal Loan Data: Industry analysis of personal loan rates for qualified borrowers, averaging 10.5% APR. Used for loan comparison scenarios and financing recommendations.
IBISWorld Wedding Industry Report: Market research showing 3.2% annual growth in wedding industry over past five years. Provides context for rising costs and industry trends.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards: Professional guidelines for major life event spending, recommending 6-12 months of income maximum for weddings. Used for financial planning recommendations.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Government data on debt-to-income ratios and loan qualification standards. Used for DTI guidelines and lending criteria.
National Association of Realtors (NAR): Housing market data on down payment requirements and PMI costs. Used for home buying vs. wedding spending comparisons.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Economic data on household spending patterns and inflation rates. Used for cost-of-living adjustments and regional variations.

Data Collection Date: January 2025

Last Updated: January 2025

Methodology: Analysis combines multiple industry sources, government data, and financial planning best practices to provide comprehensive wedding cost guidance.

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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This 529 College Savings Calculator - Education Savings Planner provides estimates for educational and informational purposes only. Actual results may vary significantly based on individual circumstances, market conditions, regulatory changes, and other factors beyond the scope of this calculator.

The calculations and projections provided are based on assumptions and historical data that may not reflect future performance.Past performance does not guarantee future results.

This tool is not financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or investment advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult with qualified professionals including:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for tax matters
  • Licensed attorney for legal matters
  • Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for investment decisions

Data Accuracy: All data sources, statistics, and rates were verified as accurate as of October 2025. Tax rates, market conditions, and other financial data change over time. Always verify current rates and consult official sources.

No Warranties: While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Use this tool at your own risk.