The national average funding level for public schools in 2016-17 was $14,046 per pupil, according to the Education Law Center.
In a report, “Making the Grade 2019: How Fair is School Funding in Your State?” the center analyzed the combined state and local revenue provided through each state’s school finance formula, adjusted to account for regional variations in labor market costs.
The data showed that even after adjusting for regional cost differences, there were extreme divergence in school funding levels.
Vermont had the highest per-pupil expenditure—$27,588—and Arizona had the lowest per-pupil expenditure—$8,569.
The center says it compiled the data “as a tool to inform policymakers, business and community leaders, teachers, parents and students about the condition of public school funding in their state.”
Here are the 10 states with the highest per-pupil expenditures:
State Per-Pupil Expenditure, 2016-17
Vermont $27,588
New York $24,818
New Jersey $19,317
Pennsylvania $19,269
Wyoming $19,057
Connecticut $19,000
New Hampshire $17,783
Massachusetts $17,318
Delaware $17,256
Alaska $16,819
