How Much Do I Need?

As the cost of education continues to rise, it’s more important than ever to think about saving early. Use our calculator to assist you as you develop your college savings strategies and goals.

How Do I Know When to Get Started?

Kids grow up fast. Your future student will be ready to take on their college education before you know it. That means it’s crucial to start saving early. When you open a Bright Start 529 account you’re laying the foundation for smart educational decisions. Deciding when and how much to save for future educational needs can feel intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. Saving as much as you can afford is important – even if it’s as little as $20 a month. Every penny counts. You can increase your monthly savings amount at any time. A great time to bump up your savings amount is when you pay off a car loan or student loan or when you receive a raise at work – the more you can save the smaller the amount of student loans your student will need to take on.

Assumed Annual Return at 5%*

Chart - Annual Return at 5%

*This hypothetical example illustrates the accumulation potential with a $2,500 initial investment and a monthly contribution plan at a 5% projected average annual return. The above example is based on projections and does not reflect your actual investment in the Bright Start Direct-Sold College Savings Program. If fees were included, the returns would be lower. Your actual results may be more or less.back