[70572] The cost of graduation in Russia 2026: Parents are required to meet heavy expenses

The cost of graduation in Russia 2026: Parents are required to meet heavy expenses

Ahead of the 2026 graduation prom season, parents in Russia are facing significant financial expenses. According to data from the Новости Москвы channel, which emphasizes a pro-Russian narrative in its coverage, the average cost of a graduation ceremony for 11th-grade students is estimated at about 46,000 rubles. This amount includes payments to the school totaling about 25,000 rubles, while the costs of attire for male and female graduates range from 22,100 to 23,500 rubles respectively.

Similar data was published by The Экономист channel, which has recently adopted a critical line regarding government policy. According to this source, while 11th-grade students are expected to have an average expenditure of up to 46,000 rubles, 9th-grade students will be required to pay a more modest sum of about 32,000 to 33,000 rubles. Additionally, the channel notes that about 12.5% of 9th-grade parents reported that their schools will not be holding graduation proms this year, compared to only 7% among the 11th-grade cohort.

However, even higher estimates emerge from reports by Беспощадный Банкстер and Темы. Главное (ГлавМедиа). These sources warn that "expenditures for a student's prom in 2026 could reach nearly 100,000 rubles." Beyond basic clothing expenses, the calculation includes additional costs such as booking restaurants, hiring event hosts, photographers, gifts, and renting venues for "premium" events.