Pricing
How much does preschool cost?
Preschool tuition in the United States ranges widely. A part-day church or parent-cooperative preschool may cost a few thousand dollars per year, while a full-day private program in a major city can cost more than many colleges. Location, schedule, and program type are the biggest drivers.
Typical preschool costs
These are rough national ranges for the 2025–26 school year:
- Part-day, 2–3 days/week: $2,500–$6,000 per year.
- Part-day, 5 days/week: $5,000–$12,000 per year.
- Full-day private program: $10,000–$25,000+ per year.
- Public pre-K or TK: Free.
Extra fees to budget for
- Registration or application fees.
- Enrollment deposits, sometimes applied to tuition.
- Supply, activity, or field-trip fees.
- Lunch or snack fees if not included.
- Before- or after-care charges.
- Fundraising commitments at parent-cooperative schools.
Ways to lower preschool costs
- Look into public pre-K, universal pre-K, or Transitional Kindergarten in your state.
- Check Head Start and Early Head Start eligibility if your family meets income requirements.
- Consider parent-cooperative preschools, which trade classroom volunteer time for lower tuition.
- Ask about sibling discounts, sliding-scale tuition, or scholarships.
- Compare part-day programs if you do not need full-day coverage.
Frequently asked questions
- Is preschool free?
- Public pre-K, TK, and Head Start can be free for eligible families. Private preschool is generally not free, though financial aid and sliding-scale tuition are sometimes available.
- Why is preschool so expensive?
- Staffing ratios are high, teachers need training, facilities must meet safety standards, and full-day programs cover many hours of care. Location also drives cost.
- Can I deduct preschool tuition on my taxes?
- Some families qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit or dependent care FSAs. Consult a tax professional for your situation.