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Fact Briefs New York State Education

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

New York school districts are budgeted to spend $89 billion on public education in the 2024–25 school year.

Ferdi Ferhat Özsoy   ·   August 6, 2025
New York state’s spending per student has consistently led the nation. | Photo: nurulanga/Getty Images; Graphics: Statement Goods; Brian Goff; med.asf/Canva | Illustration: Leor Stylar

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YES.

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.

In July 2025, Mayor Eric Adams also announced $80 million in new early childhood and literacy investments in New York City.

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Sources:

  • Citizens Budget Commission (Jan. 2025): Link

  • Citizens Budget Commission (Sept. 2023): Link

  • Empire Center (Apr. 2024): Link

  • NYC Mayor’s Office (July 2025): Link

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Editor-in-Chief
Ferdi Ferhat Özsoy is a strategic program leader with over a decade of experience building global partnerships, leading fact-checking initiatives, and advancing civic integrity across 80+ countries. He specializes in grantmaking, community building, and mission-driven operations at the intersection of journalism, technology, and… more
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