How to get money for back to school costs
Updated 2026-11-10
To cover back to school costs, start with what lowers the bill: ask the school about fee waivers, apply for free or reduced price meals, look for supply drives and tax free shopping weekends in your state, and buy only the list items needed for the first weeks. If a gap remains after that, compare a credit union or a small loan by its total cost before you borrow.
Where back to school money actually goes
The list usually looks bigger than it is. Families tend to spend in four buckets: supplies on the teacher's list, clothes and shoes, devices and their accessories, and school fees for activities, lab materials or sports. Each bucket has a cheaper route if you start early, and some costs can wait a few weeks until the first paycheck of the month arrives.
Seven ways to lower the bill before you pay it
- Ask about fee waivers. Many districts waive or reduce activity, lab and sports fees for families who qualify. The school office or counselor can tell you how to ask, and the request is usually private.
- Apply for school meals. The National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program provide free or reduced price meals to eligible students. Approval can also unlock other waivers at some schools.
- Find a supply drive. Churches, libraries, community groups and some employers hand out filled backpacks each summer. Calling 211 or checking your district's website usually turns up a few.
- Use a tax free weekend. Several states suspend sales tax on clothing, shoes and school supplies for a few days before term starts. Check your state revenue department for the dates and the limits.
- Buy the first month only. Teachers often add to the list once class starts. Buy what is needed for week one and hold the rest.
- Swap and reuse. Last year's calculator, binders and uniforms often trade well in parent groups, and many schools run a uniform closet.
- Ask about devices. Many schools lend laptops or tablets, and some internet providers offer low cost plans for students.
A simple plan for the first month
| Bucket | Cheaper route | Can it wait? |
|---|---|---|
| Supplies | Supply drive, last year's items, store brand | Partly, buy week one items first |
| Clothes and shoes | Tax free weekend, uniform closet, swaps | Shoes rarely; the rest often can |
| Devices | School loan program, refurbished | Often, ask the school first |
| Fees | Waiver or payment schedule from the school | Ask, many schools accept installments |
Is borrowing for school costs a good idea?
Borrowing makes the least sense for costs that will repeat every year, since a loan adds a fee on top of a bill you will face again. It can make sense for a one time gap with a clear repayment, such as a required uniform before the first day or a fee due before your next paycheck. If you do borrow, keep the amount to the true gap and pick the cheapest source you can reach: a credit union first, then a small loan if nothing else is open.
How GladeWallet fits in
When a shortfall is still there, a free GladeWallet request for $100 to $5,000 is passed to partner lenders. One may reply with an offer, propose a lower figure or say no. Pricing and payment dates are shown before you accept, and walking away is free. GladeWallet neither lends nor chooses who receives offers.
Fast facts
How can I get money to go back to school?
Lower the bill first with fee waivers, free meal programs, supply drives and tax free weekends. If a gap remains, compare a credit union loan or a small loan by the full repayment amount.
Is there back to school cash assistance?
Many communities run supply drives and some programs offer clothing vouchers. Call 211 or ask your school counselor what is available in your area this year.
Should I take a loan for school supplies?
Usually only for a one time gap you can repay on schedule. Costs that come back every year are better handled with a savings plan and the cheaper routes above.
Keep reading
Next, read how to get cash fast without a loan or how to pay for AC repair.