529 Plan Started at Birth: $200/Month for 18 Years
Starting a 529 plan at birth with $200 per month for 18 years at 6% return can grow to over $77,000.
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.
See how a modest monthly contribution from birth can compound into a substantial college fund over 18 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.