When it comes to back-to-school shopping, some of us might think fondly of new backpacks and the scent of fresh pencils. But Bankrate’s 2025 Back-to-School Shopping Survey shows others might simply see dollar signs.
Stubborn inflation continues to change how nearly 1 in 3 back-to-school shoppers (30 percent) shop, but that percentage has trended down in recent years, perhaps indicating Americans have become more accustomed to paying higher prices.
Ronda Sunderhaus, Bankrate senior account manager in Charlotte, North Carolina, has lengthy back-to-school shopping lists for her three kids. In addition to school supplies, they buy several new outfits, backpacks and lunch boxes — “Those never seem to last when you pack lunch every day of the week,” she says.
That’s why her family looks for deals and compares prices together.
“I involve [my kids] in price comparison and decision-making when it comes to clothes, shoes and backpacks, too,” she says.
One category they can skimp on is electronics. “Because my kids are younger, the only ‘technology’ needs they have are generally headphones,” she explains. “I usually opt for a low-cost pair, since kids are prone to losing or breaking things, and replace annually.”
Almost half of shoppers (49 percent) plan to employ money-saving strategies this fall, from finding cheaper brands to budgeting to buying less.
“The cumulative effects of higher prices and high interest rates are still weighing on many households,” says Ted Rossman, Bankrate senior industry analyst. “Tariff concerns are also significantly impacting consumer sentiment.”
While inflation has come down considerably, back-to-school shoppers are still being thoughtful about their buying habits and looking to save money where possible.
— Ted Rossman, Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst
Bankrate’s key insights on back-to-school shopping
Inflation continues to plague back-to-school shoppers, but less so than in years past
Nearly 1 in 3 back-to-school shoppers (30 percent) say inflation is changing how they shop. That’s down from 32 percent in 2024 and 41 percent in 2022, during peak inflation.
Inflation is currently at 2.4 percent, well below the 9 percent peak in June 2022, but prices are still 23.7 percent higher than they were before the pandemic. However, our polling shows this is becoming less of an issue for shoppers. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t specifically track the price of school supplies, we can look at the prices of a few similar categories this year (as of May 2025) versus last year.
Stationery, stationery supplies and gift wrap are 4.7 percent more expensive than last year.
Boys’ apparel is 2.1 percent more expensive, but girls’ apparel is 1.3 percent cheaper.
Computers, peripherals and smart home assistance are 3.5 percent cheaper. But computer software and accessories are 6.1 percent more expensive.
Educational books and supplies are 9.4 percent more expensive.
One in 5 shoppers (20 percent) say these costs will or are straining their budgets, which is down from 31 percent in 2022. And around 1 in 10 shoppers (11 percent) feel pressured to spend more than they’re comfortable with, which is down from 26 percent in 2022.
Nearly half of Americans (46 percent) have credit card debt, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Credit Card Debt Report. But nearly half of those debtors (45 percent) say it’s because of emergency expenses, like car repairs or medical bills. Armed with a budget and money-saving strategies, it’s possible to avoid debt this back-to-school season.
Nearly half of shoppers plan to use money-saving methods
Alene Laney, a personal finance writer in Provo, Utah, and mom of five, finds creative ways to save on back-to-school shopping. Their local public schools provide supplies, but her family is still on the hook for new school clothes, technology, backpacks and so on.
“I try to keep costs as low as possible, and the extra expenses come from a monthly budget category for essential home items,” Laney says.
She’s among nearly half of back-to-school shoppers (49 percent) who are employing one or more of these money-saving strategies in 2025.
1 in 5 will buy cheaper brands
Twenty percent of back-to-school shoppers say they bought or will buy cheaper brands than usual, down from 35 percent in 2022.
Try opting for generic versions of your kids’ favorite brands or comparing prices between stores to trim down your budget. “I buy cheaper brands for the things that don’t matter (paper, binders, scissors),” Sunderhaus says. “I also price compare between in-store deals (Target, Walmart) and Amazon online. I usually find that highlighters, expo markers, and ironically, glue sticks in bulk and then divided among my kids, are cheaper via Amazon.”
1 in 5 will look for deals
Twenty percent also have or plan to find more deals and coupons than in the past. But that’s down from 47 percent in 2022.
With five kids, it’s important for Laney and her kids to buy things that will last without breaking the bank. “I don’t go for the cheapest brands — I try to get the highest quality for the lowest price,” she explains. “For that, I’m a big Costco fan. I also shop all the discount stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall’s and Burlington Coat Factory.”
Nearly 1 in 5 will budget for back-to-school
Eighteen percent already did or plan to set money aside and/or budget for back-to-school shopping, which is down from 33 percent in 2022.
Budgeting prevents impulse buying, which is a weakness for many Americans. And it helps you identify other categories where you might be able to spend less this season, so there’s enough money to go around. You could also start saving up for back-to-school shopping a couple of months in advance.
About 1 in 6 will buy fewer school supplies
Sixteen percent are buying fewer school supplies than in previous years due to the cost, compared to 36 percent in 2022.
“Consider asking your child’s teacher what’s essential on day one versus what can wait until later in the year,” Rossman says. Your kids may not need everything on the list right away. They might also be able to use last year’s backpack, folders, pens and pencils and more.
5 ways to save money this back-to-school season
Once summer camps are over and schools start sending emails again, here are a few lessons to help you shop affordably for back-to-school.
- Set a budget. With a monthly budget that fluctuates by season, you can plan ahead for back-to-school spending by pulling money from other everyday categories. For example, if you budget $500 for school supplies, you might be able to cut $200 from your family’s dining out budget, $200 from entertainment and another $100 by skipping pricey snacks and only buying in bulk that month.
- Make a shopping list. With a list in hand — that you actually stick to — you won’t get sucked into buying more than you need or what your kids throw in the cart. Base the list on your budget and recommendations from the school, but also look for ways to reuse supplies from last year.
- Stack discounts. Try “combining a rewards credit card with store promotions, online shopping portals and/or card-linked offers,” Rossman advises. Those small savings can add up for a big shopping list.
- Include your kids in the process. Back-to-school shopping is a way to teach your kids about budgeting while minimizing bickering over what to buy. “I make my elementary kids responsible for holding onto their list in the store and marking off what we have as we go,” Sunderhaus says. “We also talk about the brands and prices of the items they are picking out.” When her 6-year-old wanted a video game-themed pencil box, he chose to compromise for a more affordable lunch box.
- Shop secondhand. Thrifting clothes and supplies, when possible, can help you get lower prices while helping the environment. Laney and her kids often shop secondhand and re-wear items. “I’m always surprised at the high quality of clothes I can get secondhand,” she says. “We’re happy to wear hand-me-downs or yard sale treasures.”
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