529 Plan Calculator 2026 – College Savings Goal and Monthly Amount

This 529 plan calculator projects how much your college savings could grow, estimates future college costs with tuition inflation, and shows any shortfall plus the extra monthly amount you would need. It includes the 2026 gift-tax limits and new 529 rules.

Years until college starts

Current 529 balance ($)

Monthly contribution ($)

Expected yearly return (%)

Yearly college cost in today’s dollars ($)

Years of college

College cost inflation (% a year)

Share of college cost to save for (%)

Your state income tax rate, if your state gives a 529 deduction (%)

529 plan rules for 2026

Tax-free growth: withdrawals for qualified education expenses are free of federal tax, and many states give a deduction for contributions.
Gift-tax exclusion: $19,000 per beneficiary in 2026, or $38,000 for married couples. The five-year election lets you put in up to $95,000 at once ($190,000 for couples).
K-12: up to $20,000 a year can go to K-12 tuition from 2026, and the 2025 tax law added curriculum materials, tutoring, test fees and other K-12 costs.
Roth IRA rollover: up to $35,000 over a lifetime can move to the beneficiary’s Roth IRA if the account is at least 15 years old, within the yearly IRA limit.

Worked example

For a child starting college in 13 years, $5,000 already saved plus $250 a month at 6% could grow to about $69,700. Four years at today’s $25,000 a year, rising 4% a year, would cost about $176,800, so saving half means a goal of $88,400.

How much should I save?

Many families aim to save part of the cost and cover the rest from income, scholarships and aid. Starting early matters most because of compounding.

Frequently asked questions

What can 529 money be used for?

College tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment and room and board for students enrolled at least half time, plus K-12 tuition and other listed K-12 costs, apprenticeships, and up to $10,000 of student loan repayment over a lifetime.

What if my child does not go to college?

You can change the beneficiary to another family member, roll up to $35,000 into the child’s Roth IRA, or withdraw with income tax and a 10% penalty on the earnings.

Does a 529 plan affect financial aid?

A parent-owned 529 counts as a parental asset on the FAFSA, which has a relatively small effect on aid.

Do I have to use my own state’s plan?

No, but your state may only give a tax deduction for its own plan.

Related calculators

Sources

Last reviewed: October 2026. For information only; not financial, tax or legal advice. Results are estimates.