College Savings Calculator

College costs have climbed faster than general inflation for decades, so a number that looks huge today is only the starting point. Project the real future bill, then see the level monthly 529 contribution it takes to fund it — and how much of the goal investment growth can carry for you.

Today's annual college cost

All-in cost (tuition, room, board, fees) in today's dollars for the school you have in mind.Years until college starts

How many years from now your child enrolls.Years in college

Typically 4 for an undergraduate degree.College cost inflation

College costs have historically risen faster than general inflation — often ~5%.Current 529 / college savings

What you've already set aside for this goal.Expected investment growth

Assumed annual return on the 529. Hypothetical — markets are not guaranteed.

Save per month to fully fund$1,045to cover a projected $270,913 total college bill

Projected first-year cost$62,855

Projected total cost (all years)$270,913

Current savings grown to college start$51,269

Remaining funding gap$219,644

Total of your contributions$150,505

Projected investment growth$95,407

There's a gap to close. You'd need about $1,045/mo to reach $270,913. Growth does the heavy lifting — 26% of the goal is projected to come from investment returns, not your deposits.

Fold this goal into your real plan

Velira tracks every goal against your actual net worth and tells you whether you're funding college without starving the rest of your plan.

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Estimate for education only, not financial, tax, or investment advice. It compounds your inputs with the cost-inflation and growth assumptions you enter; investment returns are hypothetical and not guaranteed. The full bill is funded as of college start (a conservative simplification), and financial aid, scholarships, and 529 tax rules are not modeled. Velira does not hold or move money. Confirm with a financial professional and your 529 plan.

College Savings Calculator

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