Yep, Childcare Officially Costs More Than College

A new survey from Child Care Aware of America reports some discouraging (although, are we really surprised though?) stats on the costs of child care across the country. Spoiler alert: they’re hella high. Notably, in 30 states and the District of Columbia, the annual price of center-based infant care is actually more than in-state tuition and fees at a public university. So if you don’t think you can afford college for your child, you’re probably already paying the equivalent. You know, just add that to your own hefty student loan you’re still paying off from years ago, and it’s no wonder millennial moms can’t catch a break.

The report, “The US and The High Price of Child Care: An Examination of a Broken System,” was released today and revealed what many parents already know: that childcare is unaffordable in all 50 states. And millennials especially are feeling the crunch. The price of center-based infant care accounted for 18 to 42 percent of average income for millennials (defined by the study as those born between 1981 and 1996). Just what is that payment comparable to? Well, to depress you further, in 39 states and D.C., center-based care for 2 children (an infant and a 4-year-old in this study) is higher than the average annual mortgage payment. Bonkers. Across the country, parents will pay an average of $9,100 and $9,600 annually for care for a young child. So if you have 2 kids needing child care? Well, you do the math. (OK we’ll do it: that’s $18,700 per year.)

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It's nice to have guidelines about what percentage of your take-home pay you should be saving, but what if that amount is already eaten up by providing a safe, clean place for your child while you're at work? ? . . We recently surveyed our readers, and over half of them said they spend at least $750 per month on childcare. ? . . What has your experience been with paying for child care? Have you found any ways to cut costs while still making sure your child is cared for?

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The least-affordable states for millennials needing child care are Massachusetts (yearly infant care costs $20,880, which is 41.8 percent of the average millennial income); California (41.4 percent of income); Colorado (39 percent); Minnesota (38.3 percent); and District of Columbia ($24,081 yearly, which is 38.2 percent of an average millennial’s income).

And it’s not as if child care providers are making money here. According to the study, in every state, the annual price of center-based care for 2 children exceeds the average salary of the child care providers who work there.

To that end, Child Care Aware of America’s policy recommendations do not involve making child care cheaper. On the contrary, increasing the quality of child care (recommended) will increase the price. Reimbursement, tax credits, and operational support for child care providers will also help ease their financial burden, reads the report. But care can still be made affordable for parents. “Quality, affordable child care should be, and can be made available and accessible to all children in the U.S. — regardless of age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or geographic location,” said Dr. Lynette M. Fraga, executive director of Child Care Aware of America. The organization’s policy recommendations are to increase data collection and analysis. More data means more info for policymakers, which means more possibility for improvement. Other recommendations include increasing state funding and tax credits for child care, and increasing awareness about assistance.

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