How Much Do Parents Really Spend on Back to School? (The Numbers Might Surprise You)
Last Updated: July 20, 2026
The start of a new school year is exciting. But, it can be expensive. Between a new backpack and clothes, school supplies, and activity fees, school expenses can have a hefty price tag.
American families might expect to spend an average of $874.69 per student on back to school expenses.[1] This doesn’t include administrative or activity fees, transportation, or food. Indiana is ranked the 20th most expensive state to raise a child.[2] Plus, year over year, inflation can increase costs.
Small purchases matter. Even pencils and notebooks can affect your back-to-school budget. Knowing where your money goes can help you make informed financial decisions.
Here’s what K-12 parents should know about expected costs and budgeting for back to school.
What Are Back to School Expenses?
Back-to-school expenses include all the costs associated with preparing a child for a new school year. While many people think only about school supplies, the actual list is often much longer.
Common back to school supply costs include:
● Basics like pencils, pens, and paper
● A new backpack
● Clothes and shoes
● Technology and accessories
● Activity and sports fees
● Transportation costs
● Lunch expenses
● Classroom contributions
When these costs are combined, they can create heavy costs for families. With one child or several children in school, it’s important to be prepared.
You might also like: The Best Way to Track Finances: Students' Back-to-School Guide
The Common Mistake: Focusing Only On School Supplies
One of the biggest mistakes parents make when budgeting for school supplies is only considering the basics. It’s easy to go over your limit when you’re only looking at the shopping list that the school sends home, and other school expenses are not counted, either.
While school supply costs are important, they are often just one piece of the overall picture. School supply budgeting should also include clothes, extracurricular activities, transportation, and technology purchases. These can quickly exceed the cost of a typical school supply list.
Effective school financial planning requires looking at the full picture rather than a single category.
Where Does the Money Go With Back to School Shopping?
School supply expenses include technology, clothing and accessories, basic supplies, and administrative and activity fees. If you’re like the average American parent, these numbers might help you budget for back to school supplies.
Recommended: How To Write a Budget Plan and Why You Should
Technology
Some schools require students to have access to a laptop, tablet, headphones, calculator or other technology. Even when schools provide devices, families may still need to purchase accessories. They may also have to pay rental fees or for replacement equipment.
Technology for a K-12 student can cost an average of $309.35.[1]
Clothing and Accessories
Many families use the start of a new school year as an opportunity to replace outgrown clothes and worn shoes. These purchases can become one of the largest parts of a back-to-school budget, especially when multiple children need new items at the same time.
For one student, the average cost can be around $253.29 for back to school clothes and accessories.[1] While shoes are usually considered clothing or accessories, they are in their own category and can cost an additional $170.43 on average.
Basic Supplies
Most schools in Indiana post or share supply lists for parents and teachers to follow.[3] What students need can vary by grade and district. Basic supplies can include writing utensils, art supplies, paper, and hygiene products like tissues or disinfecting wipes.
These are the essentials students need to participate in class. You might expect to pay an average of $141.62 for supplies per student.[1]
Administrative and Activity Fees
Sports, clubs, music programs, field trips, and classroom fees can increase school expenses throughout the year. These costs are often overlooked during school budget planning because they do not always appear on a supply list.
These costs can vary tremendously, depending on which sports and activities your student will participate in. They can also vary by district. Check with your school to find out how much you should add into your budget this year.
Smart back to school budgeting tips
While back to school supplies can be hard on the wallet, there are plenty of ways to look for savings.
Consider these back to school savings tips:
- Prioritize school budget planning[1] .
- Take inventory at home and reuse what you can.
- Look for gently used items.
- Compare prices to shop smart.
- Avoid relying on credit cards.
- Open a back to school savings account to put away money for next year.
Planning ahead is key. Shop the clearance sales after this year’s back to school season to find closeout items you can use next year. The most important thing to do is budget for back to school supplies without leaving anything out. A savings account can help you set aside money for future expenses and work toward your family's financial goals.
As a parent, you can help teach financial literacy by including kids in your planning. When children see parents compare prices, prioritize purchases, and save for future needs, they learn valuable money-management skills that can benefit them later in life. Learn how to teach students about money.
Recommended: Teach Kids About Saving with these Free Resources
Let Centier Help You Prepare for School Expenses
Back-to-school costs may be higher than many parents expect, but preparation can make a big difference. Whether you’re budgeting for school supplies, planning for future school expenses, or looking for ways to build savings throughout the year, a plan can help you stay on track.
For more budgeting tips and personal finance guidance, visit Centier Bank's Personal Finance Resources.
Sources:
[2] https://wkdq.com/child-cost-in-indiana-2026/
[3] https://app.teacherlists.com/browse/districts/Indian