New York City’s public schools are projected to spend $42,168 per student in the upcoming 2025–26 school year, setting a new national benchmark for per-pupil spending. This figure significantly exceeds budgets in other major U.S. cities and marks a sharp increase even amid declining enrollment.
This comes despite a substantial drop in student numbers—around 100,000 fewer since the 2019–20 school year—bringing heightened scrutiny to the soaring educational costs. Budget analysts attribute the growing per-pupil spending to increased expenses in food, transportation, pensions, debt, and support services.
While the city claims the investment supports smaller class sizes, higher staffing levels, and enhanced services for high-need students, critics argue the spending lacks accountability. Student outcomes remain disappointing: only 33% of fourth graders and 23% of eighth graders scored proficient in math on national assessments.
Adding to the controversy, more than 3,000 NYC teachers have turned to DonorsChoose, a crowdfunding platform, to raise money for basic classroom essentials—bandages, hygiene products, pencils, and clothing—despite the record-breaking per-student budget. Many educators say school-provided funding covers only a fraction of their needs, with one art teacher reporting just $3 per student for supplies.
