How Much Does Homeschooling Cost?

The decision to homeschool is often one that parents make out of a desire to offer their children a more personalized, comprehensive education. However, as with almost any major choice, finances can play an important role in making this decision.

Although homeschool advocates argue that the individualized approach leads to better student outcomes, the reality is that homeschooling isn’t free, and its cost can pose a barrier for many families.

Let’s take a closer look at the costs of homeschooling, so you’ll be equipped with the tools you need to navigate these costs if you believe homeschooling is the right choice for your family.

What Is The Average Cost Of Homeschooling?

From workbooks and field trips to extracurricular activities, virtually every aspect of homeschooling comes with a cost. But, what exactly does that price tag look like?

The short answer is that it varies quite a lot. Data suggests that most homeschooling families will spend an average of $500 – $2,500 per child each year.

However, this depends on the type of homeschooling (online versus offline), the state (some states have more stringent licensing requirements than other states do for homeschool families) and whether the family chooses to pay for supplemental tutoring lessons.

You can view an approximate breakdown of the costs associated with homeschooling below.

Homeschooling Vs. Public And Private School Costs

Unlike homeschooling, where it’s up to the parents to fork over all the money needed for their child’s education, K – 12 public schools spend an average of $16,080 on each student over the course of a year. Of course, this is a cost that’s covered by taxpayers’ dollars: Because public schools are state-funded, parents can send their children to public school for free in the district where they reside. You’ll likely only be paying for items such as preferred supplies if your child attends public school.

If you choose to send your child to private school, on the other hand, you’ll likely spend a lot more than you would if you went the homeschooling route. The average annual tuition (not including other expenses, such as uniforms or meals) at a private K – 12 school is $12,350. The annual cost of tuition for private high schools is $16,144 on average.

Since private school costs aren’t shared by taxpayers, parents who choose private school for their children will need to foot the entire bill.

Breaking Down The Cost Of Homeschooling

You’ll need to factor an array of costs into your homeschooling budget. And, with that, we’ll now take a deeper dive into the different costs.

Homeschool Curriculum

The curriculum and other associated learning materials are among the biggest expenses that come with homeschooling. Many homeschooling parents prefer to use a preset curriculum that tackles all the material their child will need to learn throughout the school year. This way, they can be assured they’re not leaving anything important out.

The cost of the curriculum can vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on factors such as brand recognition, specialty subjects, grade level and the inclusion of teacher support.

Another expense to consider is the cost connected with changing the curriculum midyear. While some parents will find that the first curriculum they choose works great for their child’s learning style and goals, many parents will switch out their program periodically throughout the year so they can cover multiple subjects.

Testing Fees And Legal Requirements

In an effort to make sure homeschooled students are meeting all legal and academic requirements, many states impose rigid guidelines on the homeschooling population.

You may have to pay for testing fees, annual portfolio reviews, notarized affidavits or some combination of all the above. These can easily cost more than $100 per child per year, depending on where you live and what’s required.

School Supplies

The classic back-to-school list is an unavoidable expense, even for the children who won’t be going to a traditional school. From pencils and paper, to supplies for arts and crafts, to – at least in some cases – costly laptops, school supplies carry an average minimum cost of $100 to $600 per year.

Professional Memberships And Cooperatives

Many parents choose to join local support groups, homeschooling clubs and professional organizations. These often provide much-needed assistance and access to valuable resources, but they incur an additional cost.

Many homeschooling families also opt to join cooperatives to share resources and teaching experiences. Some families pool resources (time or financial) to provide students with access to more diverse lessons and field trip experiences. Though beneficial, these groups often come with their own financial commitment – typically ranging from a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars or more per year.

Extracurricular Activities And Field Trips

Field trips, community sports teams, language lessons and even musical instruction are all part of the extracurricular scene for many homeschoolers. Individually, none of these extracurriculars will likely break the bank, but they add up. The yearly cost of extracurriculars per child can easily reach $200 – $1,250.

Part-Time Tutors

Homeschooling parents sometimes hire additional educational help in the form of part-time tutors. Homeschooling tutors can give more in-depth lessons on advanced subject matters or provide additional coverage to parents working part- or full-time.

That said, a tutor can be a pricey expense. The average price range for a tutor’s services is $700 – $4,500 per child.

Is There A Homeschool Tax Credit?

Some families naturally wonder if they can get government money for homeschooling. Aside from a few exceptions, though, the federal government doesn’t provide homeschooling families with financial assistance or offer them substantial tax breaks.

States such as Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana and Minnesota provide varying degrees of tax deductions and credits for homeschool expenses.

Remember, too, that even if you homeschool your child, you’ll still need to pay local and state taxes that funnel into the public school system. You aren’t exempt from this by your decision to homeschool.

How To Save Money On The Cost Of Homeschooling

The numbers might seem daunting initially, but with some savvy planning, you can likely manage the cost of homeschooling without stretching yourself too thin financially. Here are some tips:

• Purchase a bare-bones curriculum, then build on it. Start with a budget-friendly core curriculum, then supplement with free resources from additional websites. The internet is a treasure trove of free material, so take advantage of it.
• Use the local library. From books and DVDs to digital resources, libraries can be a free or low-cost supplement to homeschooling materials.
• Buy used materials. Online marketplaces, homeschool consignment sales and curriculum swaps can dramatically cut the cost of learning materials. “Used” definitely doesn’t mean inferior.
• Attend free educational events and programs. Museum days, cultural events and author talks are often free or low-cost and offer invaluable educational experiences that complement home learning.
• Opt for free field trips. Nature hikes, community green spaces and local factories that offer educational tours can all serve as engaging field trips that don’t require an entrance fee.
• Buy digital or PFD versions. Physical books and workbooks can add up in both cost and clutter. Many curricula now offer digital versions or PDF downloads at a lower price point, with the added benefit of instant access.
• Look for homeschool discounts. From software companies to local businesses, many retailers and service providers provide discounts to homeschooling families. College Board exams, for instance, offer fee waivers for homeschooled students meeting certain criteria.
• Pool resources with other homeschooling parents. Co-ops, group buys and shared memberships all leverage the power of collective purchasing and can provide a rich educational experience while saving you money.

FAQs About The Cost Of Homeschooling

Here are some frequently asked questions about the costs associated with homeschooling, and here’s how you can offset some of these costs as a homeschooling parent.

Would I get paid to homeschool?

Parents generally don’t get paid to homeschool their own children. Homeschooling is typically considered a personal choice, and it’s a responsibility that parents take on without direct financial compensation.

Why is homeschooling so expensive?

Homeschooling expenses can vary depending on factors such as curriculum choices, materials, supplemental resources and extracurricular activities. These costs can add up due to the need for specialized educational materials, tutoring services and other homeschooling necessities.

Is homeschooling a tax write-off?

Homeschooling expenses may be eligible for tax deductions or tax credits in some cases, depending on the specific tax laws of the state where the homeschooling occurs. Currently, these tax breaks exist only in Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota and Ohio, but you should talk with a tax professional to find out what tax breaks might apply to your unique situation.

How much does online homeschooling cost?

Online homeschooling costs, on average, anywhere from $400 – $6,000 per year, depending on whether the program is taught by a teacher in real-time or involves self-led instruction.

The Bottom Line: Balance Your Homeschooling Budget With The Benefits Of Homeschooling

The financial reality of homeschooling is that it’s certainly not one-size-fits-all. Families need to consider their values, educational goals, available financial resources and how much they’re willing to invest in their child’s education.

While the costs of homeschooling can add up, they’re not insurmountable for many people. There are plenty of ways to cut costs and enjoy the maximum benefits of homeschooling, without compromising your financial well-being. It’s all about balance – balancing the books and the budget with the endless opportunities, flexibility and rewards that come with the homeschooling experience.

Ready to start your homeschooling journey but not sure if your wallet can handle it? Download the Rocket Money℠ app so you can get a better handle on your finances starting today.