Estimated Costs

Competitions for DECA require travel.  When school days are missed they are excused field trip absences.

The costs stated below are costs from last year. These are all subject to change based on the sponsorships and funds we gain throughout the year, we are actively working to lower these costs.

Below is a summary of the competitive season and costs based on our first year experience. If you choose to enroll in our SHS DECA chapter you may only pay the registration fee and not compete.  DECA has several self directed online opportunities for you to participate at no additional cost. These include virtual business challenges, stock market game and scholarship opportunities. Going to competitions is not a requirement to belong to DECA, but the registration fee is required to be an official DECA member.  We enroll you in the DECA database of members. If you chose to compete, you only pay for each competition if you advance/qualify. Even if you advance/qualify, you can choose to not attend.  Costs are subject to change based on DECA's competition plans each year. Students can chose to compete in a role play or written project format. Below are per person costs. 

DECA Registration fee: $35. This covers our registration costs to belong to DECA, use their resources and be an official DECA high school chapter.

DECA District Competition: $65-75. Typically held in January in Worcester MA. This covers a school day field trip to the district level competition. Cost includes transportation and lunch. If you advance, you can attend States!

DECA State Competition SCDC: $550. Typically held in early March. This includes hotel stay in Boston for two nights ( usually the Copley Marriott) and most meals. If you advance you can attend Internationals!

DECA International Competition ICDC: $1000-$2000.  ICDC is an experience of a lifetime which you will never forget! Typically held in late April with over 20,000 high school students in attendance!  You will meet students from across the U.S. and beyond. Trading pins with students from other states becomes a fun way to meet new people!

This cost varies based on the number of our own members attending and possible donations or fundraising efforts during the year. The ICDC location varies each year so flight costs will also vary.  The estimated cost includes flights to ICDC, Hotel stay for 5 nights and an attraction ticket.  Last year we stayed at the Hilton Orlando and had an exclusive DECA night at Universal Studios!  ICDC 2023 net cost was approximately $1450 per student.

Take a look at ICDC 2024!