Statute (Title 20-A MRS, Chapter 219) requires that the tuition rates for the current school year are computed using the per-pupil cost of the previous year for each school administrative unit (SAU).
How are the Public School Tuition Rates calculated? Maine Public School Tuition Calculation
When will the tuition rates be available for the current school year?
The calculation cannot be completed until all of the final Quarter 4 financial data for the previous school year has been submitted to the State for every School Administrative Unit; once that data is received, the tuition rates for the upcoming/current school year will be calculated and posted after December 1st.
What can I do about the tuition payment until the tuition rates for the current school year are available?
The tuition rate calculated for the previous year can be used as an estimate for the current year until the new calculation is available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Private School Approval for Receipt of Public Funds
2026-2027 Tuition Rates for Public Schools
- Public School - Elementary Tuition - to be calculated December 2026
- Public School - Secondary Tuition - to be calculated December 2026
2026-2027 Tuition Rates for Private Schools Approved for Public Tuition Funds
Approved Elementary (K-8) Private Schools in Maine per Title 20-A, §5804
| Municipality | Elementary School | Average Public State Elementary Tuition | Date of Approval |
|---|---|---|---|
2026-2027 Private Secondary (9-12) Schools Approved for Public Tuition Funds
Note: In accordance with 20-A MRSA Section 5806
- Maine DOE will calculate and provide the State Average Elementary and Secondary Public School Tuition amounts per Title 20-A, §5804 and §5805, respectively.
- Private schools must calculate Insured Value Factor (IVF) amounts, and IVF is currently capped at 10% of the State Average Secondary Public School Tuition amount.
- While it is the responsibility of the private school seeking to charge tuition to calculate the MAT – the maximum allowable tuition amount the private school may charge- the actual amount to be paid by the school administrative unit (SAU) is subject to negotiation between the private school and the SAU.
Approved Secondary (9-12) Private Schools in Maine per Title 20-A, §5806
| Municipality | Secondary School | Average Public State Secondary Tuition | Date of Approval |
|---|---|---|---|
Approved Secondary (9-12) Private Schools outside of Maine per Title 20-A, §5806
| Location | School | Average Public State Secondary Tuition | Date of Approval |
|---|---|---|---|
Historical Tuition Rates
Public
- School Year 2020-2021 through 2025-2026 Elementary Tuition Rates for Public Schools
- School Year 2020-2021 through 2025-2026 Secondary Tuition Rates for Public Schools
- School Year 1972-1973 through 2018-2019 State Average Tuition Rates for Public Schools
2025-2026 Tuition Rates for Public Schools
- Public School - Elementary Tuition - State Average $13,077.51
- Public School - Secondary Tuition - State Average $15,055.22