College Savings: $50K Goal, $0 Saved, $200/Month for 12 Years
Contributing $200 per month with no starting balance at 6% annual return over 12 years projects to approximately $40,000 toward a $50,000 college savings goal.
How to use this tool
- Enter college savings goal, current savings, monthly contribution, expected annual return and years until enrollment in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your projected balance at enrollment and the full breakdown beneath it.
Families on a tighter budget can see whether $200 per month is enough to build a college fund from scratch in 12 years.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a 529 plan?
- A 529 is a tax-advantaged savings plan for education expenses. Contributions are after-tax but growth and qualified withdrawals are federal tax-free.
- What if I overshoot my goal?
- 529 funds can be rolled to a Roth IRA (lifetime limit applies) or used for another family member's education costs.