- Families in 2025 are projected to spend an average of $858.07 on back-to-school items.
- 60% of teachers stated that they had integrated AI into their teaching plans.
- MarketBeat shares budgeting advice for Illinois families under strain from AI.
As Illinois families prepare for the annual back-to-school scramble, a hidden cost is catching many parents off guard: artificial intelligence.
With more school districts embracing AI-powered learning tools – from adaptive homework systems to generative writing assistants – the digital infrastructure needed to support these innovations is rapidly outpacing what many households can afford.
“AI isn’t just some distant trend anymore,” says Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat.com, a financial media company. “It’s in classrooms right now, and it’s creating real financial pressure on families who weren’t planning to upgrade their tech every couple of years.”
The AI Classroom Shift
A recent survey from Digital Promise found that 93% of 31 school districts polled are using AI tools in their classroom. In February 2025, Education Week asked its LinkedIn audience whether teachers were using it in their lessons.
Out of 1,186 respondents, 60% of teachers stated that they had integrated AI into their teaching plans, while 39% stated otherwise.
But while schools are quick to implement these tools, they’re often slower to provide support for the devices or internet speeds they require.
“Schools are rolling out AI without fully thinking through the downstream costs,” Paulson says. “Families are being asked to provide higher-performance laptops, tablets, and internet packages that many simply can’t budget for – especially if they have multiple kids.”
Tech Costs Are Creeping Up
According to a National Retail Federation (NRF) survey, K-12 families in 2025 are projected to spend an average of $858.07 on back-to-school items, with a growing portion going toward tech and electronics. And that doesn’t account for the ongoing costs – like upgrading to faster home internet, paying for cloud storage, or purchasing app subscriptions that complement school platforms.
“It’s not just about buying a device once,” Paulson notes. “AI-driven tools require processing power. That means older Chromebooks from three years ago may no longer cut it. And if your Wi-Fi lags, your child can’t keep up with real-time assignments. That creates a digital divide – even among families who thought they were well-equipped.”
Signs Your Child May Be Falling Behind
Many Illinois parents don’t realize their tech setup is insufficient until it starts impacting performance. Buffering delays, inability to install required apps, and complaints about ‘glitchy’ school platforms may all signal that a family’s devices are no longer meeting minimum classroom expectations.
“By the time you notice the problem, your kid might already be falling behind,” Paulson warns. “That’s why it pays to be proactive – not reactive.”
Tips for Budgeting Around the AI Boom
To help families get ahead of these surprise costs, the MarketBeat team recommends the following:
1. Start with the school.
“Ask for a detailed list of tech requirements for the school year,” Paulson advises. “Many districts will share specs for recommended devices, Wi-Fi speeds, and required software if you ask – but they don’t always publicize it.”
2. Explore subsidy programs.
Some low-to-moderate income families may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers discounts on internet service and devices. Paulson adds, “You might be leaving money on the table just because you didn’t know these programs exist.”
3. Buy refurbished when possible.
“Refurbished tech from reputable sellers can offer significant savings,” Paulson says. “Just make sure the specs meet your school’s AI requirements – especially RAM and processing speed.”
4. Check for school-sponsored software.
Many schools have bulk licenses for AI-assisted learning tools like Grammarly or Khanmigo. “Before you shell out for a subscription, find out what’s already covered through the school,” Paulson notes.
5. Don’t forget cybersecurity.
“If your kids are using AI tools that collect personal data, you need to think about cybersecurity,” Paulson warns. “At a minimum, install antivirus software and activate parental controls.”
For families already navigating rising inflation and stretched household budgets, the creeping costs of AI in education can feel like one more unexpected burden. But with planning and awareness, Paulson believes families can stay ahead of the curve.
“AI is clearly emerging as the future tool for learning,” he says. “But this shouldn’t come at the cost of widening the education gap. Schools need to help families, but parents also need to be equipped with the right information to make smart choices.”
As the school year begins, families would do well to audit their digital readiness – before the first assignment gets flagged as “incompatible”.
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