The Tribune News Service reported on March 8th, citing an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), that childcare costs now exceed college tuition in 38 states and Washington, D.C., an increase of 5 states compared to the previous survey.
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| An analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) shows that childcare costs now exceed college tuition in 38 states and Washington, D.C. (Source: Getty) |
EPI spokesperson Nick Kauzlarich said the institute used federal and nonprofit data from 2023 to compare monthly childcare costs with public university tuition. Previous EPI research, based on 2020 data, indicated that childcare costs exceeded college tuition in 33 states and Washington, D.C.
According to the analysis, the average cost of childcare in Mississippi is $521 per month, while in Washington, D.C. it rises to $1,893 per month for a family with a 4-year-old child. California, the largest state in the country, has the fourth highest childcare costs nationally, with the average cost for a baby being $1,829 per month (equivalent to $21,945 per year), while the cost for a 4-year-old is $1,085 per month ($13,020 per year).
EPI also pointed out that childcare costs are higher than rent in 17 states and Washington DC. EPI leaders emphasized that working-class families in the US, especially low-income families (including those working as childcare providers), cannot afford the cost of sending their children to daycare.
EPI research expert Katherine deCourcy argues that this is not an obvious problem but one that can be addressed through policy. Federal and state policymakers have the power and responsibility to act to reduce the cost of childcare while ensuring that those working in childcare also earn enough to care for their own children.
EPI cites the example of New Mexico, where the average cost of caring for a newborn is nearly $1,200 per month ($14,000 per year), while the cost of caring for a 4-year-old is over $800 per month ($10,000 per year).
Although housing costs are often considered the largest expense for families, research indicates that childcare costs in New Mexico are about 10% higher than rent. Approximately 90% of the state's residents cannot afford childcare costs, which, according to the federal government 's definition, should not exceed 7% of total family income.
Those working in this field are calling on the U.S. government to implement universal early childhood education , providing free and high-quality childcare services. EPI notes that in 2022, New Mexico voters passed an amendment guaranteeing children's right to education.
Accordingly, New Mexico spends approximately $150 million annually to subsidize childcare programs. The EPI considers this a significant step forward in keeping childcare costs affordable, but believes similar investments are now needed across the United States.
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