College Savings Calculator

Calculate monthly savings needed for college: enter total cost, years and current savings to get monthly deposit.

College Savings Calculator

Calculate monthly savings needed for college: enter total cost, years and current savings to get monthly deposit.

Total college cost($)

Already saved($)

Years until college

Return(%)

Enter values above and click Calculate — results will appear here with the formula explained.

Monthly = (cost - saved*(1+r)^n) * r / ((1+r)^n -1) where r=rate/12, n=years*12

How does this work?

Monthly savings needed is future value of annuity to reach cost from current savings at rate. With zero return, simple division.

529 plans grow tax-free for education. This assumes monthly contributions end of month.

AdSense ready — add NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_ADSENSE_PUBLISHER_ID

728×90 — AdSense

Quick Answer

College Savings Calculator: Calculate monthly savings needed for college: enter total cost, years and current savings to get monthly deposit. Formula: Monthly = (cost - saved*(1+r)^n) * r / ((1+r)^n -1) where r=rate/12, n=years*12. Example: With $100k cost, $20k saved, 10y, 6%: need ~$568/mo.

How to Use This Calculator

1Enter total cost, already saved, years until college and return.
2Calculate to see monthly savings needed.
3Start early: 18 years vs 10 cuts monthly almost half.

Formula Used

Monthly = (cost - saved*(1+r)^n) * r / ((1+r)^n -1) where r=rate/12, n=years*12

Monthly savings needed is future value of annuity to reach cost from current savings at rate. With zero return, simple division.

529 plans grow tax-free for education. This assumes monthly contributions end of month.

AdSense ready — add NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_ADSENSE_PUBLISHER_ID

728×90 — AdSense

Worked Example

With $100k cost, $20k saved, 10y, 6%: need ~$568/mo. At 0% need $667/mo.

AdSense ready — add NEXT_PUBLIC_GOOGLE_ADSENSE_PUBLISHER_ID

728×90 — AdSense

Related Calculators

College Cost Calculator

Estimate total college cost, net price after aid, and monthly loan payment for tuition plus living expenses over years.

Savings Goal Calculator

Calculate monthly savings needed to reach goal: enter target amount, years, current savings and rate to see monthly deposit.

Compound Interest Calculator

See how a lump sum grows with compounding — plus optional regular contributions.

Scholarship Calculator

Calculate scholarship impact from tuition, scholarship and years — see net cost, savings and remaining need.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat is 529?

Tax-advantaged for education, grows tax-free if used for qualified.

QWhat rate?

Age-based 529 is ~6-7% early, gliding to 2-3% near college.

QIf behind?

Increase monthly, extend years (community college first 2), or target lower cost school.

College Savings Calculator

Calculate monthly savings needed for college: enter total cost, years and current savings to get monthly deposit.