529 Plan Calculator
Project 529 education savings plan growth from contributions, returns, and college costs. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Formula
FV = PV(1+r/12)^n + PMT×((1+r/12)^n - 1)/(r/12)
529 plans grow tax-free for qualified education expenses. Returns compound monthly. College costs inflate ~5-6% annually.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Start at age 5
Problem:$5K balance, $300/mo, 6% return, 13 years
Solution:FV ≈ $78K. 4yr cost at 5% inflation ≈ $189K. 41% funded.
Result:~$78K (41% of projected costs)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a 529 plan work?
A 529 is a tax-advantaged savings plan for education expenses. Contributions grow tax-free and withdrawals are tax-free for qualified expenses including tuition, room, board, and books. Many states offer additional tax deductions.
What is the standard repayment plan for federal loans?
The standard plan has fixed monthly payments over 10 years. This minimizes total interest paid but has higher monthly payments. Graduated plans start lower and increase every two years over 10 years.
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy