Average Cost of Private School

Report Highlights. The average cost of private school attendance from kindergarten through 4 years of postsecondary study is $312,026 in 2023 currency values.

  • $12,350 is the average annual tuition among the nation’s 22,440 private K-12 schools.
  • Annual tuition at an average private high school is $16,144.
  • The average annual tuition at a private university is $32,825.
  • Among the nation’s top boarding schools, the cost can reach upwards of $60,000 per year.
  • Among the country’s 161 private boarding schools, the average annual tuition, plus room and board, is $37,590.

Related reports include the U.S. Public Education Spending Statistics | How Many Public Schools Are There in the U.S.? | Average Cost of College | Student Loan Debt Statistics | Student Loan Refinancing

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Average Cost of Private School

Private schools are unaffiliated with any local, regional, state, or national government and do not receive public funding. Private school tuition varies depending on education level and the institution’s affiliation.

  • $12,594 is the average annual tuition among all private schools nationwide.
  • $11,660 is the average annual tuition for private elementary school students.
  • $16,144 is the average annual tuition for private secondary schools.
  • Among the top 50 most expensive boarding schools in the nation, the least expensive is The Asheville School, with a yearly tuition of $60,525.  
  • The most expensive boarding school is The Masters School, located in Dobbs Ferry, New York, with an annual tuition of $72,000.

Cost of Private Day School

Most private school students attend day schools. Day schools are just like traditional public schools, where students attend classes during the day before returning home for the evening.

  • $29,653 is the average tuition at private day schools.
  • Median tuition for first graders at any private day school nationwide is $25,740. 
  • The median tuition for middle school students is $29,428. 
  • For high school students, median tuition is $33,882.
  • Among schools with National Association of Independent Schools membership, the middle range annual cost of private day school is $29,653.
  • For high school seniors or grade 12 students attending such schools, $33,881 is the median cost of tuition. 
  • 615,205 of private school students attend day schools.

Cost of Private Boarding School

There are only a few hundred boarding schools in the United States. Most of them are on the East Coast. Modern boarding schools offer room and board in addition to day school classes. As with other private schools, boarding schools tend to charge higher tuition for higher-level classes.

  • $53,350 is the average annual tuition at 5-day boarding schools.
  • $67,270 is the average annual tuition at 7-day boarding schools.
  • 10.8% of private school students are student boarders.
Snapshot: Private School Tuition Nationwide
School Name Location School Type Tuition (Level)
Mackintosh Academy Littleton,
Colorado
Independent
Elementary

$13,800 (Pre)

$23,000 (K-4th grade) 

$23,550 (5th-8th grade)

Arcadia Christian School Arcadia,
California
Christian
Elementary

$10,870 (K-5th grade)

$11,140 (6th-8th grade)

$11,220 (9th-11th grade)

St. Edward’s Catholic School Twin Falls,
Idaho
Catholic
Elementary

$4,224 (Pre-K)

$3,900 (K-6)

The Chicago Academy for the Arts Chicago,
Illinois
Independent
Secondary
$34,975 (9th-12th grade) Fees: $4,000
The Maven Academy Annapolis,
Maryland
Independent
Secondary
$5,900 (6th-12th grade)
Detroit Country Day School Beverly Hills,
Michigan
Independent
Primary

$24,680 (Pre)

$29,110 (K-3rd grade)

$29,800 (4th-5th grade)

$34,530 (6th-8th grade)

$37,600 (9th-12th grade)

Wilberforce School Princeton Junction, New Jersey Christian
Primary

$19,445 (1st-5th grade)

$19,980 (6th-8th grade)

$24,600 (9th-12th grade)

Veritas Classical Academy Beaumont,
Texas
Independent
Primary

$4,795 (K-12th grade)

Fees: $950

Gesher Jewish Day School Fairfax,
Virginia
Jewish
Primary

$16,320 (Pre-K)

$26,380 (K-5th grade

$27,380 (6th-8th grade)

 

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Private School Tuition by State, from Highest to Lowest
State Elementary Tuition Secondary
Tuition
Average Tuition
among all schools
Connecticut

$23,260

$41,711

$28,894

Vermont

$19,089

$33,302

$23,933

New Hampshire

$12,983

$30,041

$20,781

Maine

$16,310

$30,059

$22,421

Massachusetts

$22,069

$36,907

$25,061

Rhode Island

$13,644

$27,082

$16,254

California

$15,798

$21,842

$16,637

Arizona

$9,901

$13,855

$10,196

Virginia

$13,560

$17,555

$15,087

New York

$21,271

$27,330

$21,053

Hawaii

$14,222

$17,819

$14,438

Colorado

$11,665

$15,775

$12,856

Maryland

$113,602

$18,118

$14,252

Washington

$13,261

$15,079

$13,046

Delaware

$10,705

$12,121

$11,408

New Jersey

$14,897

$19,507

$15,215

Nevada

$10,817

$11,547

$10,602

Tennessee

$10,923

$11,476

$10,844

Michigan

$6,845

$11,915

$7,903

Oregon

$9,703

$12,413

$10,222

North Carolina

$9,437

$10,756

$10,280

Utah

$10,917

$12,682

$10,930

Texas

$10,332

$11,727

$10,668

New Mexico

$8,848

$10,197

$8,774

Kansas

$6,867

$10,692

$7,768

South Carolina

$8,258

$8,221

$8,147

Pennsylvania

$10,876

$16,492

$12,098

Georgia

$11,684

$12,509

$11,795

Florida

$10,362

$11,528

$10,415

Iowa

$4,989

$8,741

$5,542

Alaska

$7,316

$6,881

$7,224

Alabama

$7,834

$8,881

$8,328

Montana

$8,212

$9,063

$8,998

Illinois

$8,282

$13,364

$8,922

Louisiana

$6,180

$6,930

$6,550

Kentucky

$7,014

$8,226

$7,255

Missouri

$10,051

$12,278

$10,472

Idaho

$8,702

$8,757

$8,697

Oklahoma

$7,091

$8,095

$6,970

Arkansas

$6,010

$6,962

$6,056

Minnesota

$7,233

$13,217

$7,446

Mississippi

$5,854

$6,426

$5,958

Indiana

$5,924

$10,009

$7,307

West Virginia

$6,418

$6,673

$6,230

Wisconsin

$4,470

$9,442

$5,036

Nebraska

$4,432

$9,043

$4,857

Cost of Private School by State

Private schools are often unaffiliated with a centralized agency, making official data collection difficult. Among states that are not represented here, there is too little data available for meaningful statistical analysis.

  • The most expensive private schools are in New England.
  • Connecticut’s private schools have the highest average tuition.
  • Washington D.C. also has the most expensive private elementary schools.
  • Connecticut and Massachusetts are the second and third-most expensive states to send an elementary school student to private school.

Cost of Private School in Alabama

Alabama’s private schools are much more affordable than those in many other states, with secondary schools charging a little more tuition than elementary schools.

  • $8,328 is the average tuition for all K-12 private schools in Alabama.
  • $7,834 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $8,881 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $26,195 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $16,119 or 61.5% of the total annual cost of attendance. 

Cost of Private School in Alaska

Alaska is one of the few states where elementary private education is more expensive than secondary schools. Overall, Alaska’s private secondary schools are within the ten-most affordable nationwide.

  • $7,224 is the average tuition for all K-12 private schools in Alaska.
  • $7,316 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $6,881 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
  • Alaska’s private elementary schools are, on average, cost $435 more than secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $26,788 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $19,315 or 72.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Arizona

Arizona’s private secondary schools are significantly more expensive than its elementary schools.

  • $10,196 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Arizona.
  • $9,901 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $13,855 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
  • Secondary school costs $3,954 more than elementary school.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $22,419 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $12,711 or 56.7% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Arkansas

Arkansas’ private schools serve a smaller percentage of students than most states. This may account for their comparatively low tuition costs. Tuition for secondary schools in Arkansas is the third lowest nationwide.

  • $6,056 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Arkansas.
  • $6,010 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $6,962 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $31,564 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $23,179 or 73.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in California

California is in the top 10 for the most costly private elementary and secondary schools.

  • $16,637 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in California.
  • $15,798 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $21,842 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $49,860 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $35,524 or 71.2% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Colorado

Colorado’s private schools charge more tuition than average. Their most expensive private school is Colorado Rocky Mountain School, with tuition costing $58,600. 

  • $12,856 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Colorado.
  • $11,665 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $15,775 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $36,285 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $23,560 or 64.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Connecticut

Connecticut private schools are the most expensive in the nation. Secondary private schools cost more than twice the national average. The only district/state with more expensive private elementary schools is Washington D.C. 

  • $28,894 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Connecticut.
  • $23,260 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $41,711 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • Secondary private schools charge an average of $18,451 more than elementary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $56,549 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $41,807 or 73.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Delaware

Delaware has the highest concentration of private school students, with more students attending private schools than in any other state. Elementary schools are more expensive than average, but secondary schools are considerably more affordable.

  • $11,408 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Delaware.
  • $10,705 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $12,121 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $26,709 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $14,758 or 55.3% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Florida

Florida schools are less expensive on average than most private schools, with secondary schools charging significantly less than institutions nationwide. The private school with the lowest cost in Florida is Hope Christian School, with a tuition of $1,500.

  • $10,415 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Florida.
  • $10,362 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $11,528 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $38,438 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $26,317 or 68.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Georgia

Georgia’s private schools have slightly higher-than-average tuition costs compared to the nationwide average. 

  • $11,795 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Georgia.
  • $11,684 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $12,509 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $41,520 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $28,839 or 69.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Hawaii

Hawaii’s private schools are more expensive than the national average, with private secondary school tuition running significantly higher than average. 

  • $14,438 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Hawaii.
  • $14,222 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $17819 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $29,781 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $17,098 or 57.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Idaho

Idaho’s private schools cost less than most. The state’s secondary private schools are less expensive on average than private elementary schools nationwide

  • $8,697 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Idaho.
  • $8,702 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $8,757 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $13,157 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $6,139 or 46.7% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Illinois

Illinois private schools are less expensive overall. The state’s most expensive schools are within the city of Chicago.

  • $8,922 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Illinois.
  • $8,282 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $13,364 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $46,552 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $33,454 or 71.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Indiana

  • $7,307 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Indiana.
  • $5,924 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $10,009 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $45,382 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $33,402 or 73.6% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Iowa

Iowa has the fifth-least expensive private elementary schools and the third-least expensive private secondary schools nationwide. Overall, the state’s private schools are some of the nation’s most affordable.

  • $5,542 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Iowa.
  • $4,989 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $8,741 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $43,364 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $33,821 or 78.0% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Kansas

Kansas private schools are much more affordable on average than elsewhere in the United States.

  • $7,768 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Kansas.
  • $6,687 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $10,692 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $31,701 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $22,571 or 71.2% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Kentucky

Private school tuition in Kentucky is markedly cheaper than the national average. The state’s private elementary schools are especially affordable. 

  • $7,255 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Kentucky.
  • $7,014 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $8,226 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $37,081 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $27,648 or 74.6% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Louisiana

Louisiana’s private schools run well below the national average in terms of cost. The most expensive private school in Louisiana is the Episcopal High School which costs, $21,000 for tuition. 

  • $7,710 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Louisiana.
  • $9,400 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $7,764 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $51,025 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $37,830 or 74.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Maine

Maine has some of the most expensive secondary private schools in the nation. Private secondary schools cost more than twice private elementary schools.

  • $22,412 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Maine.
  • $16,310 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $30,059 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • Private secondary schools cost $13,749 more than elementary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $52,527 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $38,972 or 74.2% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Maryland

Maryland private schools have slightly higher tuition costs than the national average for both their elementary and secondary schools. 

  • $14,252 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Maryland.
  • $13,602 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $18,118 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $57,222 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $43,141 or 75.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a much more expensive place to attend private school than elsewhere in the country. Secondary school is the second most expensive in the country, while elementary school is the third most expensive. 

  • $25,061 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Massachusetts.
  • $22,069 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $36,907 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $61,747 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $46,016 or 74.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Michigan

Michigan’s private schools are cheaper than the average, but the state’s private elementary school tuition costs are especially low.

  • $7,903 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Michigan.
  • $6,845 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $11,915 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $38,074 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $27,936 or 73.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Minnesota

Minnesota’s private secondary schools are more expensive than the average, while their primary schools are considerably cheaper than the average. 

  • $7,466 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Minnesota.
  • $7,233 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $13,217 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $43,677 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $33,212 or 76.0% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Mississippi

Mississippi’s private secondary schools are the cheapest in the country.

  • $5,958 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Mississippi.
  • $5,854 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $6,426 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $26,352 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $17,953 or 68.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Missouri

Missouri private school costs are on par with the national average.

  • $10,472 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Missouri.
  • $10,051 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $12,278 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $35,803 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $25,417 or 71.0% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Montana

Montana’s private secondary schools are some of the nation’s most affordable.

  • $8,998 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Montana.
  • $9,063 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $8,212 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $34,988 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $25,918 or 74.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Nebraska

Nebraska has more private school students per capita than most other states. The private elementary and secondary schools in Nebraska are both significantly cheaper than the national average.

  • $4,432 is the average tuition among elementary private schools in Nebraska.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $34,626 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $25,075 or 72.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.
  • Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college cost $3,174 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $3,985. 

Cost of Private School in Nevada

Nevada’s cost for private elementary and secondary schools are near the national average.

  • $10,602 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Nevada.
  • $10,817 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $11,547 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $38,130 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $24,423 or 64.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is home to some of the country’s most expensive private schools.

  • $20,781 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in New Hampshire.
  • $12,983 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $30,041 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $46,952 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $33,364 or 71.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in New Jersey

New Jersey’s private schools are notably more expensive than the national average.

  • $15,215 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in New Jersey.
  • $14,897 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $19,507 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $51,045 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $37,329 or 73.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in New Mexico

New Mexico’s private schools are notably more affordable than the national average.

  • $8,774 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in New Mexico.
  • $8,848 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $10,197 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $40,206 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $30,137 or 75.0% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in New York

New York’s private elementary and secondary schools are much more expensive than the national average. The most expensive private school in New York is the THINK Global School with a yearly cost of $94,050.

  • $21,053 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in New York.
  • $21,271 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $27,330 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $55,741 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $40,527 or 72.7% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in North Carolina

North Carolina’s private schools are among the nation’s most affordable, though the cost of elementary school is closer to the national average.

  • $10,280 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in North Carolina.
  • $9,437 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $10,756 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $46,268 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $33,990 or 73.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in North Dakota

Data for North Dakota’s private schools is too sparse to derive much statistical meaning. Most of the state’s private schools are religious institutions, meaning they likely charge a low-end tuition. Bismarck is home to the largest number of private schools in the state. Other North Dakota municipalities with multiple private institutions include Dickinson and Fargo.

  • At the Shiloh Christina School in Bismarck, the average tuition price is $8,054.
  • At St. John’s Academy in Jamestown, tuition is $8,200 for elementary school, $9,700 for middle school, and $10,700 for high school.
  • At Oak Grove Lutheran School in Fargo, tuition is $8,415 for K-1st grade, $8,765 for grades 2-5, $9,810 for middle school, and $11,895 for high school.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $22,856 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $15,206 or 66.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Ohio

Private schools in Ohio are relatively affordable, with secondary schools costing well below the national average tuition.

  • $7,815 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Ohio.
  • $7,247 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $10,860 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $44,035 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $32,597 or 74.0% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has the ninth most affordable private schools in the country. The state’s private tuition costs less than half of the national average.

  • $6,970 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Oklahoma.
  • $7,091 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $8,095 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $37,447 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $27,694 or 74.0% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Oregon

Oregon private schools cost slightly less than the average private schools nationwide.

  • $10,222 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Oregon.
  • $9,703 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $12,413 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $53,036 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $40,597 or 76.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s private elementary schools and secondary schools are slightly more expensive than the national average.

  • $12,098 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Pennsylvania.
  • $10,876 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $16,492 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $55,248 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $41,703 or 75.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s private elementary schools are on par with the national average in terms of cost. The state’s secondary schools, however, are much more expensive than the national average.

  • $16,254 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Rhode Island.
  • $13,644 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $27,082 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $57,176 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $42,108 or 73.6% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in South Carolina

South Carolina’s private schools are less costly overall, but its elementary schools are expensive. The state’s private secondary schools are some of the nation’s most affordable, costing even less than the state’s private elementary schools.

  • $8,147 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in South Carolina.
  • $8,258 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $8,221 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $35,174 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $25,621 or 72.8% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in South Dakota

Data for South Dakota’s private schools is too sparse to derive much statistical meaning. Directories indicate most private schools are religious (Christian) and located in the state’s largest city, Sioux Falls.

  • $5,800 is the annual tuition for Pre-K through Grade 6 at Aberdeen Christian School in Aberdeen.
  • $6,535 is tuition for Grades 7 through 12. 
  • $4,320 is annual tuition among Sioux Falls Parish members for K-12 at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools in Sioux Falls.
  • $5,010 is tuition for non-Sioux Falls parish members, and $5,840 is tuition for non-parish members.
  • $4,905 is the member’s tuition rate for junior high school. 
  • $5,630 and $6,530 are tuition rates for non-Sioux members and non-members to attend junior high at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, respectively. 
  • $6,480 is the tuition rate for Sioux members. Non-Sioux members pay $7,430 and non-Sioux non-members pay $8,135 at  $6,345 at Bishop O’Gorman High School. 
  • The average private 4-year college costs $31,359 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $23,252 or 74.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Tennessee

Tennessee’s private schools are more affordable overall than the national average. Private elementary schools tend to be more expensive, but secondary schools are significantly less costly.

  • $10,844 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Tennessee.
  • $10,923 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $11,476 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $38,571 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $28,080 or 72.8% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Texas

Private schools in Texas are less expensive overall, with secondary schools being the most affordable. Private elementary school tuition is on par with the national average.

  • $10,668 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Texas.
  • $10,322 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $11,727 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $46,268 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $34,476 or 74.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Utah

Utah’s private schools are more affordable than the national average. Secondary schools are especially reasonable.

  • $10,930 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Utah.
  • $10,917 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $12,682 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $15,804 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $7,852 or 49.7% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Vermont

Vermont’s private schools are among the nation’s most expensive. Secondary schools are more than twice as costly when compared to the nationwide average.

  • $23,922 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Vermont.
  • $19,089 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $33,302 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $58,137 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $44,068 or 75.8% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Virginia

Virginia’s private elementary and secondary schools are more expensive than the national average with the private elementary school tuition being especially pricey.

  • $15,087 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Virginia.
  • $13,560 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $17,555 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $34,470 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $23,380 or 67.8% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Washington

Washington’s private elementary and secondary schools are slightly more expensive than the national average.

  • $13,046 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Washington.
  • $13,261 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $15,079 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $50,873 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $38,754 or 76.2% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in West Virginia

West Virginia has some of the least expensive private schools in the nation at less than half the average tuition.

  • $6,230 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in West Virginia.
  • $6,418 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $6,673 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $21,892 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $12,513 or 57.2% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has the fourth lowest tuition for private elementary schools nationwide. 

  • $5,036 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Wisconsin.
  • $4,470 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
  • $9,442 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
  • The average private 4-year college costs $45,269 per year including room and board.
  • Tuition and required fees average $34,424 or 76.0% of the total annual cost of attendance.

Cost of Private School in Wyoming

Data for Wyoming’s private schools is too sparse to derive much statistical meaning.

  • $30,500 is the cost of tuition at Jackson Hole Community School, for Grades 9 through 12, in Jackson. 
  • $10,172 is the K through Grade 8 tuition rate for non-church members at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Cheyenne. 
  • $9,172 is tuition for church members at Trinity Lutheran Church and School. 
  • Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college cost $3,219 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $7,752. 

Average cost of private school on Education Data Initiative

Cost of Private Postsecondary School

Most private colleges or private universities are non-profit institutions; this data is for nonprofit schools unless otherwise noted.

  • The average traditional private university student spends a total of $46,313 per academic year. 
  • Tuition and fees are $32,825 or 70% of the total annual cost.
  • A degree from an average private university costs $185,252.
  • The cost of attendance at private 4-year colleges increased 19% between 2010 and 2020.
  • At private universities, the cost of attendance outpaces public universities 47.4%.

Analysis: Rising College Preparatory Costs

For students who aspire to postsecondary education, the price of that education combined with alarming trends in student loan debt and college dropout rates may influence increased financial focus on secondary education. The popular opinion – echoed at Harvard, Princeton, and the U.S. Department of Education – is that private schools improve a student’s chances of college acceptance and scholarship awards.

Given that parents pay for an average 40% of students’ academic costs, families may consider private and college preparatory school a wise investment. Further, financial pressure, academic disqualification, and stress are cited as reasons for over two-thirds of college dropouts. The conventional wisdom states that private high schools geared toward college transition prepare students to deal with the issues that lead to poor academic performance and dropouts.

Student Financial Aid for Private School

There is student financial aid available for private school attendees similar to the aid available to college students. Sometimes a parent’s status may make a student eligible for aid or discounts. Some schools offer discounts to veterans and members of the military.

  • 25.5% of private school students receive some form of financial aid.
  • 49% of students at The Chicago Academy for the Arts receive financial assistance. 
  • Among students who receive financial aid in the form of grants, $20,121 is the average award per scholar. 
  • For students in boarding school, $31,969 is the average grant award per individual. 
  • 34.1% of students enrolled in boarding schools receive some form of financial aid.

Page 6 on Education Data Initiative

Private School Tuition Allocation

Most of the student tuition goes toward paying faculty, staff, and administrator salaries.

  • 56.3% of tuition goes toward paying teachers, instructional support, staff, and administrators. 
  • 9.9% of these salary costs are for teachers’ salaries.
  • 13.1% are to pay administrator salaries.
  • A further 2.59% of tuition goes toward benefits and payroll taxes. 
  • 0.7% goes toward athletic programs. 
  • 2.3% goes toward paying for school repairs.

Sources

  1. National Association of Independence Schools, Data and Analysis for School Leadership: Facts at a Glance  
  2. Business Insider, The 50 Most Expensive Top Boarding Schools in America  
  3. National Catholic Education Association, Schools and Tuition: Regional Distribution of Catholic Schools 
  4. Mackintosh Academy Littleton, Tuition and Affordability 
  5. Arcadia Christian School, Tuition  
  6. St. Edward’s Catholic School, Tuition  
  7. The Chicago Academy for the Arts, Tuition and Tuition Assistance  
  8. The Maven Academy, Tuition  
  9. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), The Condition of Education, 2022  
  10. Detroit Country Day School, Admissions: Tuition  
  11. Veritas Classical Academy, Cost Effective Tuition 
  12. Wilberforce School, Tuition Schedule  
  13. St. John’s Academy, Tuition Rates  
  14. Shiloh Christian School, Tuition for the 2023-2024 Academic Year 
  15. Oak Grove Lutheran School, Tuition 
  16. Aberdeen Christian School Tuition Information  
  17. Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, Tuition 
  18. Jackson Hole Community School Admissions: Tuition  
  19. Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 2020-2021 Schedule of Tuition & Fees 
  20. Tuition & Financial Aid – Gesher Jewish Day School 
  21. Average Private School Tuition Cost (2023)  
  22. FAQ — The Chicago Academy for the Arts