Does New York Spend More Per Public School Student Than Any Other State?

New York is projected to spend $36,293 per student in the 2024–25 school year, nearly double the national average.

In 2023–24, the state spent $35,095 per student on elementary and secondary education, based on budgeted totals.

New York’s spending has consistently led the nation, driven
by rising salaries, pension costs, and expanded state aid. The Citizens
Budget Commission reports a 21% increase in per-student costs since the
2020–21 fiscal year when New York City’s per-pupil spending reached
$35,914, the highest among major US districts.

The increase in per-student costs is funded through a
combination of local property taxes, state aid programs, and federal
aid. New York school districts are budgeted to spend $89 billion on
public education in the 2024–25 school year, covering classroom
instruction, student services, facilities, and administration. Despite
leading the nation in spending, New York ranks in the middle of the pack
on national assessments.