Rising back-to-school prices are squeezing families, teachers alike
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- The cost of school supplies has surged nearly 8% since 2025, with essential items like lunch boxes and notebooks rising over 20%, driven partly by tariffs from the Trump administration and inflation pressures.
- Many families are struggling financially due to these price hikes, with 57% of parents carrying credit card debt into the school season and nearly half planning to take on new debt to cover expenses.
- Major school supply companies, including Newell Brands and ACCO Brands, have raised prices citing inflation, tariffs, and geopolitical conflicts, passing increased costs onto consumers.
- Parents are increasingly seeking sales, buying cheaper alternatives, or relying on donations to afford supplies, while schools and teachers face shortages and limited budgets for classroom essentials.
- Rising costs coincide with broader economic challenges such as high gas prices, food inflation, and cuts to food assistance programs, exacerbating financial strain on families and educators nationwide.
