Financing your child's public education can be a challenge. After all, some states have more money for public education than others. While the average cost of public school education is $12,000, this does not include the cost of textbooks and tutoring. Hiring private tutors for your child can cost thousands every year. In addition, many students also go to private school or are homeschooled. Private school education costs over $20,000 a year, while homeschooling can cost $3,000 or more. Many parents need financial aid and they often take cash loans to ensure their children have access to all the learning resources they need.

The most common expenses associated with public school are the cost of textbooks and tutoring. Textbooks can be expensive, sometimes costing hundreds of dollars, and, depending on where you live, your child may not be able to get them through their school. 

An American family will spend an average of $700 on back-to-school supplies. The most expensive items are electronics (laptops and tablets), at a total cost of $200 per child. The next most expensive categories were clothing ($122), shoes ($110), and sports equipment ($80). Other items include: 

  • Backpacks ($30 - $90)

  • Lunch boxes ($10 - $50)

  • Pencils ($3 - $9)

  • Lunch ($2 - $20)

  • School supplies (ranging from $30 to $200, depending on how much is required by the school and how many children you have).

A good way to save on textbooks is to have your child take notes in class and make their textbook version. If you have room in your budget, consider buying a used book online instead of a new one from a store. Your child will still get all the information they need out of the book, but you will save money in the process. If your child needs tutoring, look into the free after-school programs local organizations and schools offer before paying for a tutor. Schools off and offered free tutoring Services throughout the week to help students who are struggling academically or want extra help with their homework. They will also provide snacks and transportation home. If you are struggling financially, you may get a personal loan to cope with education-related expenses. 

The good news is that most states require schools to offer financial aid programs to help students pay for college. However, these programs are open only available to students who have a good GPA (grade point average). A score of 3.7 or higher will get your child better chances to be accepted at a good college. In an ideal scenario, the GPA should be higher in major classes. They may need to work with a tutor or attend after-school classes to do that. Grademaster helps schools better monitor the students’ progress and ensures they are fully prepared to apply for college. Ask your school to schedule a demo and see it in action.