Study Costs for High School Entrance Exams: Parents Feel the Burden

In a recent study conducted by the educational service platform "Juku Sagashi no Madoguchi" (operated by Plus One LLC, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo), it was revealed that a staggering 70% of parents perceive the tutoring fees linked to high school entrance exams as excessively high. The study aimed to uncover the financial strains that parents experience when navigating their children's education.

As we evolve into a society that values diversity, the trend towards finding educational services that are best suited for each child has become stronger than ever. While this effort is commendable, the pursuit of the right fit often results in inflated costs that can strain family budgets, turning what should be constructive educational experiences into financial burdens.

To shed light on these financial pressures, the survey focused on two primary questions: What are the average tutoring costs associated with high school entrance exams? Additionally, which specific cost items did parents previously underestimate? By analyzing the findings, we can better understand the trends among parents as they navigate these educational financial decisions.

Survey Overview

The survey targeted parents across Japan with children aged 30s to 50s, conducted via the internet from September to October 2025, collecting a total of 521 valid responses. Parents with multiple children were asked about the costs related to tutoring for each child, allowing for a more comprehensive picture of family expenditures on education.

Key Findings

The study indicated that 76.8% of parents find tutoring costs to be "high" or "very high." The specific statistics from the responses are as follows:

- Very High: 20.4%
- High: 33.2%
- Somewhat High: 23.2%
- Neutral: 20.2%
- Somewhat Low: 2.3%
- Low: 0.2%
- Very Low: 0.5%

The data suggests a widespread consensus among parents regarding the financial burden of tutoring. Further evaluations of costs by type of tutoring service—group lessons, individual tutoring, home tutoring, online instruction, and tablet-based learning—provide deeper insights.

Detailed Cost Analysis by Service Type

Breaking down perceived costs by service type reveals the following insights:

Service Type	Very High (%)	High (%)	Somewhat High (%)	Neutral (%)	Somewhat Low (%)	Low (%)	Very Low (%)
-------	----	--	-----	---	----	---	----
Group Lessons	22.4	34.8	24.8	18.8	0.4	0.0	0.0
Individual Tutoring	25.0	37.8	18.3	18.3	1.2	0.0	0.6
Home Tutoring (In-Person)	15.8	31.6	31.6	21.1	5.3	0.0	0.0
Online Instruction	45.0	25.0	35.0	10.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Tablet-Based Learning	20.2	27.4	23.8	26.2	4.8	1.2	0.0

Notably, online instruction received the highest percentage of parents feeling it was "very high" at 45.0%. It seems that while these technologies aim to provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional learning environments, many find that the final expenses often do not reflect expected savings. This unexpected financial strain contributes to perceptions of high costs.

Perceived Unexpected Costs

When asked about which specific cost items were underestimated, the survey found that the following three costs were typically the highest:
1. Tuition Fees: 46.7%
2. Seasonal Course Fees: 46.4%
3. Special Course Fees: 30.9%

Tuition fees represent the weekly class expenses, while seasonal courses refer to special sessions conducted during school breaks (e.g., summer or winter courses). These costs can escalate rapidly, especially if parents fail to recognize the frequency of tuition changes or additional fees added throughout the tutoring duration.

Average Annual Expenditure

The data points toward an average annual tutoring cost near 300,000 yen for high school entrance preparation, regardless of service type, which translates to an approximate monthly fee of 25,000 yen. However, it's vital to recognize that a segment of parents (9.2% for group lessons and 5.5% for individual lessons) reported expenses exceeding 1,000,000 yen annually, illustrating a substantial financial commitment on behalf of families.

The Trend Towards Multiple Tutoring Services

Interestingly, the survey indicated that most parents utilize a combination of tutoring services for their children. The predominantly used services included:

- Group Lessons: 58.0%
- Individual Tutoring: 38.1%
- Tablet Learning Materials: 19.5%

Usage of multiple educational services appears to result from parents striving for tailored educational solutions for different subjects, which can often lead to further expenditure that might not be initially anticipated.

Conclusion

The survey's comprehensive analysis exposes the significant financial challenges faced by families preparing their children for high school entrance exams. It underscores the necessity for parents to meticulously evaluate educational costs, incorporating not only basic tuition but also additional expenses that can accumulate. By utilizing resources like "Juku Sagashi no Madoguchi," parents can access valuable insights and tools to make informed educational choices, ensuring a balance between effective learning and financial feasibility.

For more detailed information, check the full report available here. Keep in mind that understanding the financial implications of education is crucial in supporting children in their academic journeys and achieving their future aspirations.