RCW 26.19.080(3) · 2026 Guidelines
Calculate the proportional split for school tuition, supplies, and college expenses. Washington law handles education costs as special child-rearing expenses.
Enter income and expense to see the split analysis.
Education-related costs are handled similarly to medical and childcare expenses in Washington. They are classified as "extraordinary" or "special child-rearing expenses" under RCW 26.19.080(3).
Courts do not automatically order parents to split private school tuition. A judge will look at whether the child has a history of attending private school, if it meets the child's specific educational needs, and if the parents can reasonably afford the cost.
Washington is one of the few states where a court can order child support to continue past high school graduation. Under RCW 26.19.090, the court has discretion to order "post-secondary educational support" if the child is dependent on the parents for the reasonable necessities of life and is enrolled in an accredited academic or vocational program.
School-related activities like sports, band, and clubs are also split proportionally by income. Parents should specify in their parenting plan or support order how these costs will be approved and reimbursed.
Private school tuition can be included as special child-rearing expense under RCW 26.19.080(3) if court finds it reasonable.
Post-secondary support is advisory under RCW 26.19.090. Courts may order support for college up to age 23 if child is enrolled and in good academic standing.