Planning for college costs
College prices have risen faster than general inflation for decades, historically 3–5% a year. The calculator grows today's cost to each year your child will be enrolled and adds them up. Use the share setting if you plan to cover part and expect scholarships, work or loans to cover the rest.
A 529 plan grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education costs are tax-free too. Many states also give a state income-tax deduction for contributions. Leftover money can go to a sibling or, within limits, be rolled into the beneficiary's Roth IRA.
Use the net price, not the sticker price
Most students pay less than the published price after grants. Every college has a net price calculator on its website. Use that figure as your yearly cost for a realistic target.