Back-to-School Costs Rise to $39.4B as Parents Face Tariff-Driven Price Increases

The back-to-school season continues to impose a significant financial burden on American families, with spending reaching $39.4 billion amid rising prices driven by inflation and new tariffs, particularly affecting school fees and supplies. Many parents are planning purchases earlier to avoid anticipated cost hikes, yet reliance on credit cards has increased, reflecting the strain of these expenses. Teachers are also feeling the financial pressure, often covering hundreds to thousands of dollars out of pocket for classroom supplies due to insufficient school funding, a situation exacerbated by inflation, supply chain issues, and federal funding delays. The back-to-school period serves as a crucial opportunity for parents to impart essential financial lessons to children, helping them develop healthy attitudes toward money from an early age. Despite these challenges, families employ diverse strategies—from early saving to community support—to manage the costs, while educators and parents alike navigate the emotional and practical complexities of this annual ritual. Additionally, education leaders highlight ongoing concerns such as difficulties hiring qualified math teachers and the need for better instructional materials, underscoring broader systemic issues in the education sector.