Back-to-School Spending Expected to Hit Record High With Average of 864 Dollars Per K-12 Household

Families with K-12 students are expected to spend an average of $863.86 on back-to-school items in 2026, a new record, according to data from Experian. College-related spending is projected to reach $1,437.79 per shopper.

The figures reflect a combination of higher prices for school supplies, clothing, and electronics, along with growing expectations for what students need to participate fully in school. Laptops, tablets, and wireless earbuds have become standard purchases for many families.

The spending surge comes as inflation remains elevated at 3.5 percent annually. Families are paying more for everyday goods while also facing higher costs for housing, food, and transportation.

Financial advisors say families can reduce back-to-school costs by shopping sales tax holidays, buying used electronics, and waiting until after school starts to see what teachers actually require rather than buying everything on a generic supply list.

Student loan defaults are also rising following the end of pandemic-era protections. Families with college students are managing tuition costs alongside back-to-school spending, creating financial strain for households with children at multiple education levels.

Retailers including Walmart, Target, and Amazon have launched back-to-school promotions earlier than in previous years, competing for a share of the spending. Discount stores and dollar stores have also expanded their school supply sections.

Consumer spending on education has grown steadily over the past decade. Analysts say the trend reflects both rising costs and a cultural shift toward investing more in children's academic preparation.

The National Retail Federation tracks back-to-school spending annually and expects total consumer spending on education to exceed $100 billion in 2026.