529 Late Start: Only 5 Years Until College
If you start a 529 plan just 5 years before college with $300 per month and a $5,000 balance, project how much you can accumulate.
How to use this tool
- Enter the 529 account's current balance.
- Enter your planned monthly contribution.
- Enter an expected annual return (compounded monthly) — use a net-of-fee figure to be conservative.
- Enter the years until withdrawals begin and read the projected balance and growth.
It is never too late to start saving — see how much you can accumulate in a 529 plan in just five years.
Frequently asked questions
- What return should I assume for a 529?
- It depends on the plan's investments. Many savers use 5–7% for a diversified, equity-tilted portfolio and lower as the child nears college (age-based glide paths). Enter a net-of-fee number for realism.
- Are 529 earnings taxed?
- Earnings grow tax-deferred and qualified education withdrawals are generally federal-tax-free; many states add deductions or credits. This calculator shows pre-tax-benefit growth only.
- Does this include plan fees?
- No. Subtract the plan's expense ratio from your return before entering it if you want a fee-adjusted projection.