College Savings Gap Calculator
Project your 529 plan balance against future college costs (with inflation) and see if there is a gap. Get the adjusted monthly contribution needed to close it.
Financial Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs provided. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment or financial planning decisions.
Inputs
Results
Projected Total College Cost
$203,184.59
≈ 5 Teslas
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your child's current age and the age they will start college.
- Enter the current annual college cost (tuition, room, and board) — costs will be projected forward.
- Set the number of years of college to fund (4 for a bachelor's degree).
- Enter your current 529 plan balance and monthly contribution.
- Set the expected annual return on 529 investments.
- Review the projected total college cost, projected 529 balance, and whether you have a gap or surplus — plus the monthly contribution needed to close any gap.
How the result changes with Years of College
| Years of College | Projected Total College Cost |
|---|---|
| 1.7 | $96,639.52 |
| 3.45 | $203,184.59 |
| 5.55 | $320,650.53 |
| 7.3 | $450,156.72 |
What each input means
- Child's Current Age
- Your child's current age in years.
- College Start Age
- Age when your child will start college (typically 18).
- Annual College Cost (Today)
- Current annual cost of college including tuition, room, and board. Costs will be inflated to future dollars.
- Years of College
- Number of years of college to fund (typically 4 for a bachelor's degree).
- Current 529 Balance
- Current balance in your 529 college savings plan.
- Monthly Contribution
- Amount you currently contribute to the 529 plan each month.
- Expected Annual Return
- Expected average annual return on 529 investments.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersChild's Current Age = 5, College Start Age = 18, Annual College Cost (Today) = 25000, Years of College = 4 = 7 input(s) provided
- Calculate Projected Total College CostProjected Total College Cost203184.59 = $203,184.59
- Calculate Projected 529 Balance at StartProjected 529 Balance at Start100776.87 = $100,776.87
- Calculate Gap (−) or SurplusGap (−) or Surplus-102407.72 = $-102,407.72
Engine last updated . Checked against 1 independently-derived test — how we verify calculators.
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