Project a 529 balance vs inflated college costs, and look up illustrative state tax benefits for contributions.
Projected 529 at start
$119,475
10 years to go
Total college cost
$322,954
Inflated over 4 years
Gap (cost − 529)
$203,479
First year ≈ $74,929
Illinois
Estimated state tax savings
$238
Deduction cap (illustrative): $20,000 · Applied: $4,800
Bright Start / Bright Directions; in-state plan for deduction.
State rules change. Limits, income phaseouts, carryforwards, and in-state plan requirements are simplified here for planning — confirm with your plan and tax professional. Federal growth and qualified withdrawals remain tax-advantaged regardless of state.
Model college inside the full family timeline on the .
Next: read the sequence
What to do with the number, before another tool or another calculator.
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