Back-to-School Costs Are Giving Parents Sticker Shock

There was a time when back-to-school shopping meant tossing a few notebooks, pencils, and a fresh box of crayons into the cart.

This year, that cart may come with a bit of sticker shock. New research suggests that back-to-school costs are climbing in every category, from lunch boxes to loose-leaf paper. 

An analysis from Groundwork Collaborative and The Century Foundation estimates that the 2026-27 school year could cost families close to $4,000 per child when school supplies and packed lunches are factored in. That's up about 10.7% from last year.

School Supply Prices Are Noticeably Higher

The actual supply list is getting pricier, too. According to Groundwork’s analysis, a typical basket of school supplies in 2026 will cost about 7.7% more than it did last year. 

Some everyday items have significantly increased:

• Lunch boxes: Up 26.8%

• Notebooks: Up 23%

• Index cards: Up 22.2%

• Notebook paper: Up 20%

• Tissues: Up 20%

The trouble is, the companies that make those familiar classroom staples have been dealing with higher costs, as well. Newell Brands, whose lineup includes Sharpie, Paper Mate, Expo, and Elmer's, said they faced $174 million in cash tariffs in 2025. 

As a result, they had to use their pricing to offset some of the effects of tariffs and inflation. 

The Lunch Box Isn't Getting Off Easy

The bell won’t stop ringing at the school-supply aisle. Groundwork also found that a typical basket of food for school lunches will cost 10.9% more than last year. 

Some lunch-box regulars have also increased, including:

• Blueberries

• Bread

• Apple juice

• Deli meat

• Animal crackers

Those higher food prices will keep adding to back-to-school expenses long after the initial shopping is done because parents only need to buy the backpack once, but they’ll be packing that lunch box all year long.

Parents Are Feeling the Pinch

A survey from Credit Karma found that 72% of parents said clothing, electronics, and school supply prices are noticeably higher this year. 

Nearly half, 45%, said they expect to take on debt for back-to-school shopping, up from 34% in 2024. As a result, families are changing how they shop. 

The National Retail Federation (NRF) said that 47% of parents only plan to buy what their children need to start the year. Then, they’ll replace things later on. Another 46% who haven’t finished shopping yet said they’re holding out for better deals.

Even so, families with K-12 students expect to spend an average of $863.86 this year, and nationwide spending could reach a record $43.3 billion.

Making That School List Stretch

There’s one bit of comfort hiding between the calculators and composition books: plenty of parents are changing their game plan.

Credit Karma said 61% are starting earlier than usual, spreading out their purchases across several paychecks. NRF's research also shows that families are waiting for sales, comparison shopping, and only buying the essentials first.

A little extra planning and patience may go a long way this year, especially when back-to-school costs start making a box of index cards look suspiciously luxurious. Waiting for a good sale suddenly sounds pretty sensible to us.

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