How much does preschool cost?

As you probably know, childcare costs in the U.S. – including preschool costs – are astronomical these days. (In many states, daycare is more expensive than in-state public college tuition!)

Preschool is similar to daycare in cost and function. Both offer educational and social opportunities for young children, and serve the needs of working parents who require childcare during the day. Generally speaking, preschool is more academically oriented and offers more of a structured learning environment.

The focus of preschool is on developing social, emotional, academic, and life skills (here's how to know if your child is ready for preschool). There are many different types of preschool programs. Some larger daycare centers have a preschool class, and there are a range of public and private preschool options, including Montessori schools and parent co-ops. Preschools may be play-based, focused on academic skills, or a mix of both.

Keep in mind that if you enroll your child in a preschool that's not part of a daycare center, it'll generally have shorter hours and be closed for more holidays, including during the summer. Most independent preschools operate on a September-May or September-June academic calendar, like elementary schools. This can be difficult for working parents, and may require the additional expense of an after-school or summer babysitter.

Here's some information on the average preschool costs in various parts of the U.S., plus ideas and resources for making preschool more affordable for your family.

Average cost of preschool

Parents of kids ages 3 to 5 can expect to pay about $10,000 per year for preschool, according to Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA). The nonprofit surveys child care resource and referral organizations to determine the annual price of childcare for various provider types and age groups.

Preschool is generally less expensive than full-time care for an infant, since babies require more one-on-one attention from caregivers and the ratio of students to teacher is higher for younger children. But still, preschool is expensive – and unaffordable for many American families.

This is a known problem, and some states – including Florida, Vermont, and Oklahoma – offer universal (free) preschool. Some other states have subsidized or partially-free preschool or pre-K. But many do not.

It's difficult to determine average preschool tuition prices. Costs vary widely and depend on a number of factors, including:

• Where you live
• What type of preschool you choose
• How many hours a day/days a week your child will be in preschool

The most important factor to consider when figuring out the average cost of preschool is your location: Preschool costs more in states with higher wages and costs of living. For example, childcare for a 4-year-old in Massachusetts is $15,095 per year. Mississippi has the lowest childcare costs, with an average of $4,784 per year for a 4-year-old. Each of these numbers is for the 10-month academic year, not including the summer months.

The best way to figure out the costs of preschool in your area is to do research and ask around. Gather several quotes from different preschools so you can get a range of pricing. You can also contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency, who can help you find options and resources for preschools near your home or work.

Online resources are very helpful, too. To find average preschool costs by state, check out the Economic Policy Institute's childcare costs toolOpens a new window. Each state's numbers are laid out by average costs per month and per year for both infants and 4-year-olds.

How to save on preschool costs

If you're struggling with figuring out how you'll afford preschool, here are a few ideas and resources for potentially saving money on your child's early education.

Shop around. Before choosing a preschool for your child, research (and perhaps tour) a few of the options in your area, ask friends for recommendations, and compare pricing so you know what the current rate is for preschool in your area.

Consider a cooperative preschool. A cooperative preschool (co-op for short) is organized and maintained by a group of parents with similar interests and philosophies. Sometimes under the guidance of trained early childhood teachers (but sometimes not), parents help operate the co-op, and are hands-on in their child's day-to-day learning. Parent-run cooperative preschools generally cost less, but require more of your time and may not be feasible if you work full-time.

Explore the option of transitional kindergarten. Typically, students eligible for transitional kindergarten, or TK, turn 5 between September and December. This year of schooling helps bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten. California is currently the first state in the U.S. to roll out its state-funded transitional kindergarten program, but many other states offer TK for a monthly fee. TK is less expensive than private preschool but more expensive than public school (meaning it's not free), so this could be a more cost-efficient option than traditional preschool if your child qualifies.

Inquire about a sibling discount. If you have two or more kids attending the same preschool, it isn't unreasonable to ask the staff if they can offer you a discount on tuition. It may not be a buy one/get one free type of deal, but it's certainly worth asking!

Ask if you can pay in installments. Some preschools operate on an installment plan, and the more quickly you pay the tuition in full – say in two installments rather than monthly – the less expensive it will be for you. In an effort to save on paperwork, many schools will charge interest if the tuition payments are spread out over a period of months, so ask your school what their payment policy is. While you're at it, ask whether your school offers scholarship or tuition assistance, and whether your family qualifies.

Figure out if and how you can trim costs. Certain preschool add-ons can add up quickly, such as hot lunch, aftercare, transportation, or field trips. Think about whether or not you're comfortable with your child opting out of any of these "extras" to save some money each month.

Consider having a family member watch your child part-time. If full-time preschool isn't in the budget, consider sending your child to school part-time, and having a family member or sitter watch them the rest of the time.

Check your eligibility for state-funded preschool. Some states offer pre-K to eligible families at low or no cost. Select your state or territory on the ChildCare.gov "See Your State's ResourcesOpens a new window" page and review the "Child Development and Early Learning" tab to see if public pre-K is available where you live.

Pay through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Though you can't use money in a 529 plan for any educational expenses before kindergarten, some companies offer employees access to a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, which lets you use pre-tax dollars to pay for childcare. Ask your HR department if this is an option for you. It may not help you save money month-to-month on school expenses, but it can lower your tax liability at the end of the year.

Look for low-income support or assistance. Every state offers income-based assistance for those who apply and qualify that can help pay for or subsidize the cost of childcare. To find out what's available in your state, check the database on Child Care AwareOpens a new window for a list of state-by-state resources. Other help is available through the Child Care Development FundOpens a new window and state-by-state Head StartOpens a new window programs, which are offered to families whose household income is below the poverty level.