Steep rise in school fees: the minimum enrollment fee for 2025 stands at 16,200 rubles
In an analysis published by the analytical center "Check Index", it has been revealed that the average cost for preparing a student for the 2025 academic year has risen compared to the previous year. Parents planning back-to-school shopping are expected to spend approximately $741 on average, an increase of about $200 from last year's average.
This rise in spending is not limited to the education sector as a whole. Tuition and fees for public in-state schools average $11,610, with other expenses pushing total annual costs significantly higher, reflecting ongoing inflation pressures.
Regarding demand, items such as clothing, school supplies, and books have seen increased demand and higher spending as families prepare for the new academic year. Retailers note that parents are focusing spending on essentials, but costs remain elevated, motivating shoppers to seek deals and more affordable brands.
Interestingly, despite the overall decrease, demand for certain items - backpacks, pencils, pens, and notebooks - increased. This trend may indicate a shift in parental spending patterns. The estimated cost for a backpack is around 4,000 rubles, while the stationery case is approximately 1,100 rubles.
The total number of purchases of "school set" items in June-July 2025 decreased by 9% compared to the same period last year. However, over 60% of all purchases in the school category were made online. This suggests that while families may be spending more, they are also looking for convenience and deals online.
It's worth noting that the minimum cost for preparing a student for the new academic year in 2025 is approximately 16,200 rubles. This cost includes expenses for a school uniform, backpack, shirt, shoes, sneakers, t-shirt, diary, set of notebooks, and stationery case.
Analysts observe a category of parents who make purchases in advance, particularly in the stationery segment where prices rise faster than in other groups. These costs are subject to change and may vary based on individual school requirements and local factors.
In conclusion, while the overall cost of preparing for the new academic year has risen, families, in general, are not looking to save on these essential expenses. Instead, they are focusing on essential items and seeking value amid higher prices. The increased demand for certain items, such as backpacks, pencils, pens, and notebooks, may be due to factors like price increases in these specific categories.
This article was originally published in Izvestia newspaper.
The rise in school-related expenses, including tuition, fees, and back-to-school shopping, reflects ongoing inflation pressures in the finance sector. However, parents are still prioritizing essential education-and-self-development items, with a focus on finding value amid higher prices, as indicated by the increased demand for items like backpacks, pencils, pens, and notebooks.
