Families feeling the pressure as college costs continue to rise

The research, conducted by iReach on behalf of Zurich in Ireland, forms part of a long-running series examining the cost of education. This year’s findings show that third-level education continues to place a heavy strain on family finances, with accommodation emerging as the single most significant expense. The average cost of rented student accommodation now stands at €7,960 with on-campus accommodation costing €8,384. Families continue to have to juggle their financial and living arrangements in response to rising college accommodation costs and continued pressure in the rental market.

The research shows that many parents continue to underestimate the cumulative cost of third-level education — particularly when accommodation, college fees, transport, and day-to-day living expenses are taken into account. As these costs mount, more than half (53%) of parents are already relying on family savings to help cover them, highlighting the growing need to plan and prepare well in advance.

Commenting on the findings, Jonathan Daly, Head of Life Retail Distribution and Propositions at Zurich Life Assurance plc, said: “The cost of sending children to school continues to place a significant financial burden on families. From uniforms and transport to grinds and school trips, our annual survey shows that primary and secondary school costs remain substantial, with many parents feeling the strain. A steady, long-term savings habit can give families greater confidence and flexibility when it comes to meeting these costs. It’s encouraging to see that more parents are taking proactive steps to plan ahead. Even setting aside a small amount regularly can make a meaningful difference over time.”

Primary and secondary school costs

While third-level draws the greatest focus, the cost of primary and secondary education also remains a consideration for households. Parents estimate the average annual cost of primary school at €1,442, though the actual figure is €1,615 — a modest increase of €69 compared to last year.

At secondary level, estimated costs have dipped slightly to €2,065 — but the actual spend reported by parents is much higher at €3,085. This gap highlights how families continue to underestimate the cumulative cost of education. Beyond essentials like uniforms, transport, and books, many parents are also paying for grinds, now averaging €825 annually, to help students maximise their Leaving Cert points. School trips, averaging €237 per year, also contribute to the total and are often linked to personal development or Transition Year activities. Together, these costs reflect the growing pressure parents feel to support their child’s academic success and progression to third level.

Financial planning for parents

Meanwhile, 24% of parents say they have taken out a loan to help cover secondary school costs which presents a small but notable increase on last year’s figures.

Across all levels, parents remain acutely aware of broader economic pressures: 87% say the overall cost of raising children has increased with inflation, while 66% feel that the financial strain of funding education has worsened over the past year. A breakdown of this year’s key findings, spanning primary, secondary, and third-level education, is outlined below:

Rising financial pressure on families²

• 87% of parents say inflation has increased the cost of raising children.
• More than half (53%) have family savings in place that are used to reduce the financial strain of inflation, up 3% from last year.
• Only 49% of parents who save the child benefit can put aside the full amount monthly.

Primary and secondary school costs

• Estimated primary school cost: €1,442 - up €30 vs 2024.
• Actual calculated primary school cost: €1,615 - up €69 vs 2024.80% of primary schools still require hard copy books - down 3%.
• Estimated secondary school cost: €2,065 - down €216 vs 2024.
• Actual calculated secondary school cost: €3,085 - down €5 vs 2024.
• 24% of parents have taken out a loan to help pay for secondary education - up 4%.
• 43% of secondary school parents support a more widespread move to digital learning — up 3%.

College costs and accommodation

• Over half of 57% of third-level students live at home – down 7% versus 2024.
• Average college fees: €3,193 - up €41 vs 2024.
• Average student accommodation cost: €8,384.
• Average rented accommodation cost: €7,960.

Help your clients plan ahead to meet rising education costs

Providing for their children’s education, from primary school right through to third level, is a priority for all parents. The costs of education are substantial and continue to rise. One solution is for parents to start early and gradually build up the funds necessary to support their children’s education.

Parents can use Zurich’s Cost of Secondary School Calculator to work out the estimated costs of sending their children to secondary school and to see how much they might need to save each month to meet secondary school costs. You can also use our Financial Health Check tool with your clients for additional insights. 

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For more information

Zurich encourage people to talk to a Financial Broker to help set their savings goals, plan their budget and choose the right plan for their family. Parents can use the Cost of Education Calculators to work out the estimated costs of sending their children to school and/or college and to see how much they might need to save each month to meet these costs. Zurich also offers a wide range of supports for Financial Brokers with a suite of sales material that can help highlight the importance of saving, for your clients. For more information, speak to your Zurich Broker Consultant or visit zurichbroker.ie.

Sources:

¹Zurich Cost of Education Survey 2025 conducted by iReach Insights.

²Zurich Cost of Education Survey 2024 conducted by iReach Insights.

The information contained herein is based on Zurich Life’s understanding of current Revenue practice as at August 2025 and may change in the future.