NEW SURVEY: Including Mass., it now costs more for child care than public college tuition in 38 states; Child care surpasses average rent costs in 17 states

Massachusetts has highest annual cost child care in the nation, over $20,000 per child; College tuition here just over $15,000 on average

By Steve Freker 

Parents who rely on daycare for their children are well aware of the “sticker shock” in store for them when paying the bills.

For a number of years, it has been confirmed that Massachusetts leads the nation in average annual and monthly child daycare cost, right around $20,000 — even more for infant care.

According to a new report released last week by Tootris News and Education Center, the high cost of Child Care in Massachusetts can be attributed to several factors. One of the main reasons is the high cost of living in the state. Other factors include high housing costs, along with other essential expenses like food and transportation, which all remain quite high.

In an eye-opening report also released in the past week, the cost of child care now exceeds the price of college tuition in 38 states and the District of Columbia, according to a new analysis conducted by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).

The Washington, D.C.-based policy group used 2023 federal and nonprofit data to compare the monthly cost of infant child care to that of tuition at public colleges.
The total number increased by five more states since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic began.

The analysis also found child care costs have exceeded rent prices in 17 states and the District of Columbia.
The organization released a state-by-state guide on Wednesday showing the escalating cost of child care. Average costs range from $521 per month in Mississippi to as much as $1,893 per month in Washington, D.C., for households with one 4-year-old child, EPI found.
Child care is unaffordable for working families across the country, but especially for low-wage workers, including those who provide child care.
EPI analysts said that the time is now for the federal and state government to step in and find a way to provide relief for families beset by soaring child care costs. “Federal and state policymakers can and should act to make child care more affordable, and ensure that child care workers can afford the same quality of care for their own children,” said EPI Senior Economist in a news release.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts does have programs in place to help families pay for necessary, but high-cost daycare. Massachusetts Child Care Financial Assistance programs (CCFA) can help you pay for child care and out-of-school time programs.

It is overseen by the Mass. Department of Early Education and Care. CCFA eligibility is based on who is in your family, income, and certain expenses. “Eligibility” means who can and can’t get the benefit. If you aren’t sure if you are eligible, family access administrators can help you find out.

Go to https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-funds-to-help-pay-for-child-care for more information.