Back-to-School Spending Expected to Average 864 Dollars Per K-12 Household This Year
Families with K-12 students plan to spend an average of $863.86 on back-to-school supplies in 2026, a slight increase from last year, according to the National Retail Federation. Total K-12 spending is projected at $43.3 billion. College-related spending is expected to hit a record $103.5 billion.
Families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade plan to spend an average of $863.86 on back-to-school supplies this year, a slight increase from 2025, according to the National Retail Federation.
Total back-to-school spending for K-12 students is projected to reach $43.3 billion nationally. College-related spending is expected to set a new record at $103.5 billion, driven by rising costs for electronics, dorm furnishings, and clothing.
The figures reflect continued pressure on household budgets from elevated prices across most consumer categories. Inflation has remained above 3 percent for much of 2026, and families are spending more in dollar terms even when buying the same items as last year.
Financial experts recommend that families use sinking funds, setting aside money each month throughout the year, to avoid the financial strain of large back-to-school purchases concentrated in a few weeks. Others suggest taking advantage of early-summer retail sales events, which often offer better deals than August promotions.
Retailers including Walmart, Target, and Amazon have launched back-to-school promotions earlier than in previous years, competing for a share of the projected spending. Tax-free shopping weekends, offered by several states in late July and early August, also provide opportunities for savings.
The National Retail Federation conducts its back-to-school spending survey annually. This year's results are based on responses from thousands of households across the country.
