20% of parents in Connaught/ Ulster say they're getting into debt to cover back-to-school costs.
That's considerably lower than the national average of 36% of parents getting into debt.
The findings are revealed in the annual school-costs survey commissioned by the irish League of Credit Unions.
11% of parents in debt say they have turned to a moneylender to cope with costs.
The study found that overall back to school costs have fallen somewhat since last year.
Parents are now spending €999 per primary school child - €49 less than last year.
For secondary school students, parents say the cost per child has fallen by €22 to €1,379.
Books and uniforms are the most expensive items for second-level students, while extracurricular activities and school lunches are the biggest costs for primary school children.
