RAND State Statistics recently updated its Per Pupil Spending database, containing expenditures per student, based on total expenditure and reported fall enrollment as submitted by state education agencies in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. It excludes Regional Occupational Program (ROP), Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), Vocational, (AVC), Regional Education Service Centers, and similar school types. Here are some of the highlights.

The U.S. experienced a 3.0% increase in average per-pupil spending from 2017 to 2018, increasing from $15,054 per student in 2017 to $15,499 (see Table 1). Hawaii had the largest average per-pupil spending growth during this time, increasing from $15,305to $16,981. Other states with significant growth were Washington (10.5%), Wisconsin (10.4%), South Dakota (8.6%), and California (8.3%). Texas experienced the lowest average per-pupil spending growth, falling 2.8% from $16,040 per student in 2017 to $15,596 in 2018. West Virginia (-2.7%), Massachusetts (-2.2%), Delaware (-1.9%), and New Mexico (-1.9%) also experienced significant decreases during this time (see Figure 1).

Table 1 - Per Pupil Spending, United States, 2017-2018

Figure 1 - Per Pupil Spending, United States, 2017-2018

From 2010 to 2018, the U.S. experienced a 16.8% increase in average per-pupil spending, growing from $13,274 per pupil to $15,499 (see Table 2). Over this nine-year period, Washington had the most significant growth of average per-pupil spending, increasing 41.8% from $11,262 to $15,973. Other states with significant growth were Hawaii (38.1%), California (35.0%), Pennsylvania (31.7%), and Illinois (31.6%). Texas experienced the lowest average per-pupil spending growth during this time, dropping from $15,880 in 2010 to $15,596 in 2018, a decrease of 1.8%. Other states with the smallest growth were West Virginia (-1.0%), Arkansas (-1.0%), New Mexico (2.4%), and Florida (5.3%) (see Figure 2).

Table 2 - Per Pupil Spending, United States, 2010-2018

Figure 2 - Per Pupil Spending, United States, 2010-2018

From 2010 to 2018, the counties with the most significant increase of average per-pupil spending were Foster County, North Dakota (144.9%), Meagher County, Montana (115.1%), and Richmond County, New York (109.0%). Counties with the least significant increases during the nine-year period were Kiowa County, Kansas (-77.1%), Gunnison County, Colorado (-62.9%), and Rio Blanco County, Colorado (-61.5%) (see Figure 3).

Figure 2 - Per Pupil Spending, United States, 2010-2018