Methodology
For each child the calculation assumes that the cost of college will increase at the rate of inflation provided by the user, that college savings will earn the hypothetical annual rate of return provided by the user, and that the periodic contributions will occur without interruption through the end of college.
The calculation assumes that the cost of college will increase at the rate of inflation provided by you or your financial consultant and that college savings will earn the hypothetical annual rate of return provided by you or your financial consultant.
The national average cost data is from The College Board's annual "Trends in College Pricing" report. All Rights Reserved. The college costs used in this calculator are based on data collected and provided by DST Systems, Inc., an SS&C company.
For the purposes of this calculator, college costs include tuition, fees, room & board, books & supplies, and other fees, as supplied to the College Board and SS&C from the institutions. The average costs are based on two and four year, public and private colleges for each state and nationally. There are different kinds of institutions in each region, and because of this, there may be a large variation in the actual costs for specific institutions.
This calculator assumes that overall college costs (education cost inflation) will increase each year by the rate you selected for each child\'s costs, with a default of 5%. The impact of inflation on higher education expenses is uncertain and the rate of inflation could exceed the rate of return on your investments. This calculator also allows you to enter your hypothetical average annual rate of return. You may wish to choose a conservative hypothetical average annual rate of return. The default is 6% should you not choose a specific return.
The savings goals depicted by this calculator are an estimate based on certain assumptions and cannot guarantee that the sufficient money will be saved. The calculation results are estimates based on the information you have provided. To help understand and use the calculation output effectively, please note the following items:
This calculation is for hypothetical purposes only. The information entered may vary from actual individual circumstances. The calculation relies on certain assumptions in addition to the information you provided and does not guarantee future performance of any investment option. SS&C will not be liable for any damages arising from the use or misuse of this calculator or from any errors or omission in the same.
Any calculation does not take into account the costs or fees associated with (1) transferring assets between the accounts, (2) the differences in the rate of return on investments within the account, (3) investing in the Plan (i.e., annual account fees), or (4) the effect of federal and/or state taxes. This calculator allows you to enter your hypothetical average annual rate of return. For a more accurate estimate of the investment required to fund your college costs, you may wish to choose a conservative expected rate of return on your investments.
State income tax rules on how withdrawals are handled may vary. The calculator results do not take into account any state tax issues.
Information and interactive planners are provided by SS&C and are made available to you and your financial consultant. We encourage you work with your financial consultant to develop a college savings strategy that is right for you.
 | College Planner |
| |
Get personalized insight into how a tax-favored savings option, such as a Coverdell ESA, can help you save for college. Input your college funding goals, examine your total projected costs and estimate the monthly amount you need to save to meet your objective.
This hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes only
Estimated total education cost*
Based on current savings
you'll cover
and room & board.