Education Funding
Education news, analysis, and opinion about money, financing and budgets on the federal and state levels and coverage of philanthropy to schools
See also: Federal Budget/Funding, State Budgets/Funding, ESSER Funds
How much does the U.S. spend on education?
The U.S. spent about $946 billion on public K-12 schools in 2022-23, the most recent year for which statistics are available. The money comes from federal, state, and local governments, and the percentage coming from each source varies between and within states.
The average per-pupil spending was $16,526 in 2022-23, but four states (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont) and the District of Columbia spend more than $25,000 per student. On the other end of the spectrum, two states (Idaho and Utah) spend less than $11,000 per student on average. Read more statistics about U.S. schools.
Per pupil spending nationally in 2022-23 was up 5.7% over the previous year, not adjusted for inflation. This school year was one in which schools were spending federal pandemic relief aid. The federal government in 2020 and 2021 provided $190 billion in one-time, pandemic relief aid for education that schools had multiple years to spend. Read more about the impact of ESSER funds.
The average per-pupil spending was $16,526 in 2022-23, but four states (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont) and the District of Columbia spend more than $25,000 per student. On the other end of the spectrum, two states (Idaho and Utah) spend less than $11,000 per student on average. Read more statistics about U.S. schools.
Per pupil spending nationally in 2022-23 was up 5.7% over the previous year, not adjusted for inflation. This school year was one in which schools were spending federal pandemic relief aid. The federal government in 2020 and 2021 provided $190 billion in one-time, pandemic relief aid for education that schools had multiple years to spend. Read more about the impact of ESSER funds.
How much of public education is funded by the federal government?
12.7% of funding for K-12 public schools came from the federal government in 2022-23. In the four years before that, the federal government on average provided about 10% of total funding. The big jump over that time was mostly due to pandemic relief aid for schools. Read more.
Where does the funding for public schools come from?
According to the Census Bureau, almost 45% of public school funding came from states in 2022-23 and about 43% came from local sources, predominantly from local property taxes. In 2022-23 12.7% of all K-12 school funding came from the federal government. The federal share in 2022-23 was larger than in most years, as this was one in which schools were spending one-time pandemic relief aid.
The largest sources of federal school money pay for school lunch programs, services for low-income students (Title I), and services for students with disabilities (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Read more.
The largest sources of federal school money pay for school lunch programs, services for low-income students (Title I), and services for students with disabilities (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Read more.
What qualifies a school for Title I?
Seventy percent of schools receive Title I funds. Schools get these grants based on the number of school-age children who live in their area and are from low-income families or are homeless, in foster care, or in facilities for neglected or delinquent children. Those children do not necessarily attend the districts’ schools. But, if at least 40% of a school’s students are from low-income families, the school can implement a schoolwide program and provide Title I-funded services to all students and not just those who themselves come from low-income families. More than 90% of students who receive Title I services are in schools with schoolwide Title I programs. Learn more about Title I.
Education Funding What's the Latest on Trump's School Funding Freeze? What We Know and Don't KnowBillions of federal dollars for education are on hold and might not show up at all.
Education Funding Republicans Urge Trump to Release $6.8 Billion in School Funding He's Held BackThe funds that were supposed to go out July 1 pay for teacher training, English learner services, after-school programs, and more.
Education Funding Two Dozen States Sue Trump Over $6.8 Billion School Funding FreezeThe Trump administration violated the U.S. Constitution when it withheld billions from schools in early July, the lawsuit alleges.
Education Funding Opinion Trump's Cuts to Schools Will Hit Hard. But Leaders Need More Than Just MoneyThe federal funding chaos highlights a perennial dynamic in public schools.
Education Funding Interactive See How Much Federal Money Trump Is Holding Back From Your DistrictHundreds of districts will lose more than $1 million each, according to a new analysis.
Education Funding Who Will Bear the Brunt of Trump's Hold on $6.8 Billion in School Funds?The sudden absence of expected federal funds has already cost some educators their jobs.
Education Funding Schools and States Scramble as Trump Freezes $6.8 Billion in Federal FundsAfter-school programs, English-learner services, migrant education programs, and professional development are all at risk.
Education Funding Interactive See How Much School Funding Trump Is Holding Back From Your StateThe administration is holding back nearly $7 billion for English learners, after-school programs, professional development, and more.
Education Funding Trump Tells States He's Holding Back $6.8 Billion for SchoolsSchools nationwide won't see funding earmarked for English learners, migrant students, professional development, and more.
Education Funding Education Department Restores COVID Funds For Schools—With Some CaveatsAll state education agencies and school districts now have until March 2026 to finish spending COVID aid.
Education Funding Trump May Soon Defy Congress and Cut $5 Billion More From SchoolsFunding for migrant education, English-learner services, professional development, and after-school programming is at risk.
Education Funding 5 Ways Schools Are Directly Feeling the Federal Funding ChaosCanceled grants, terminated contracts, and proposed cuts are sparking worries as districts plan future budgets.
Education Funding A 'Tsunami' of Uncertainty Is Crashing Into Federal Funding for SchoolsThe Trump administration has cut grants, terminated contracts, delayed funding estimates, and cut off communications to districts.
Education Funding Principals Urge Ed. Department: Leave School Safety Funding AloneSchools need access to funds for mental health professionals and other student services, say principals who've experienced school shootings.
Education Funding Trump Admin. Says California’s K-12 Funding Is at Risk. What Would It Mean?Title I and IDEA funding could be caught up in the battle between the White House and the largest state, which is led by Democrats.
