Report: U.S Ed Tech Spending to Reach $27.6 Billion in 2021

A new report is forecasting a spend of $27.6 Billion this year on education technology in the United States.

That figure is lower than some other forecasts for 2021, such as the $38.2 billion forecast by the Learning Counsel. The exact figure for ed tech spending in the United States has been elusive, and different market research organizations calculate their figures based on different definitions of what constitutes ed tech.

The report, Education Technology and Smart Classrooms: Global Market Trajectory & Analytics, from market research firm Global Industry Analysts, estimated the total global ed tech spend at $78.6 billion in 2020, which is in line with other global trends reports. The report's authors are predicting global compound annual growth of 16.3% through 2026, when the total global spend is forecast to reach $195.7 billion.

The report forecast China's growth in ed tech spending to be 15.6% over the same period, reaching $34.2 billion by 2026. Japan, Canada and Germany are all expected to see double-digit growht in ed tech spending over the report period as well ± Japan at 14.5%, Canada at 14% and Germany at 11.9% CAGR.

The information released to the public from the report did not spell out the growth in ed tech spending for the United States during the analysis period.

The complete report is available for $4,950 at strategyr.com.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • stylized illustration of a desktop, laptop, tablet, and smartphone all displaying an orange AI icon

    Survey: AI Shifting from Cloud to PCs

    A recent Intel-commissioned report identifies a significant shift in AI adoption, moving away from the cloud and closer to the user. Businesses are increasingly turning to the specialized hardware of AI PCs, the survey found, recognizing their potential not just for productivity gains, but for revolutionizing IT efficiency, fortifying data security, and delivering a compelling return on investment by bringing AI capabilities directly to the edge.

  • laptop with digital productivity and calendar symbols

    September 2025 Tech Tactics in Education Conference Agenda Announced

    Registration is free for this fully virtual Sept. 25 event, focused on "Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation" in K-12 and higher education.

  • hand holding globe and environmental icons in front of a green background

    CoSN, SETDA, UDT Release Guidelines for Environmentally Responsible Technology Purchasing

    CoSN and SETDA, in partnership with IT and telecommunications solution provider UDT, recently released a set of Sustainability Procurement Guidelines designed to help K-12 school and district leaders, procurement officers, and technology directors make purchasing decisions that are both environmentally responsible and operationally effective.

  • tutor and student working together at a laptop

    You've Paid for Tutoring. Here's How to Make Sure It Works.

    As districts and states nationwide invest in tutoring, it remains one of the best tools in our educational toolkit, yielding positive impacts on student learning at scale. But to maximize return on investment, both financially and academically, we must focus on improving implementation.