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Funding Ohio Education
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Enrollment Down, Spending Per Student Up: How Can Both Be True?

Per-student spending is a ratio. If enrollment falls faster than total spending, spending per student can rise even when total spending changes much less.

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What This Graphic Shows

This graphic explains per-student spending is a ratio. If enrollment falls faster than total spending, spending per student can rise even when total spending changes much less. It is intended to show the underlying mechanism or comparison before drawing the narrower takeaway below.

Key Takeaway

Falling enrollment and rising per-student spending can occur at the same time.

Verification Status:

Verified — Current

Last Verified:

September 19, 2026

Sources

Review the sources used to support this visual.

Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

FY2025 District Profile Report

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Ohio Legislative Service Commission

Ohio Facts — K-12 Education

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