Average Cost of Private School

Report Highlights. The average cost of private school attendance from kindergarten through 4 years of postsecondary study is $441,207 in 2023 currency values.

• $23,839 is the average annual tuition among the nation’s private K-12 schools.
• Annual tuition at an average private high school is $15,645.
• The average annual tuition at a private university is $32,825.
• Among the nation’s 101 Prizmah Jewish Day Schools, the average tuition is $23,528.
• Among the country’s 161 private boarding schools, the average annual tuition, plus room and board, is $67,270.

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.

• $12,167 is the average annual tuition among all private schools nationwide.
• $11,207 is the average annual tuition for private elementary school students.
• $15,645 is the average annual tuition for private secondary school.
• $9,873 is the median annual tuition among all private schools.
• Catholic private schools, or parish schools, tend to have the lowest tuition compared to other religious or unaffiliated private schools.
• $4,840 is the average annual tuition for elementary students at Catholic private schools.
• $11,240 is the average annual tuition for secondary Catholic private school.

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.

• $17,310 is the median tuition at private day schools.
• The Median tuition for first graders at any private day school nationwide is $15,500.
• The median tuition for middle school students is $29,430.
• For high school students, the median tuition is $33,880.
• Among schools with National Association of Independent Schools membership, the middle range annual cost of the private day school is $29,650.
• For high school seniors or grade 12 students attending such schools, $33,860 is the median cost of tuition.
• 94.1% 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.

• $53,030 is the average annual tuition at 5-day boarding schools.
• $66,560 is the average annual tuition at 7-day boarding schools.
• 5.9% of private school students are student boarders.
• Among primary school students nationwide, less than 0.6% are student boarders.
• Boarders are more likely to be older and secondary students.
• At boarding schools, younger and elementary-level students are more likely to attend day programs.

*Insufficient data for Nebraska secondary schools, as well as for schools in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia

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.
• After Washington D.C., Connecticut 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.
• Available financial data represents 14.9% of the private school student population.

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.

• $7,669 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Alabama.
• $7,633 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $7,994 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
• Independent and Christian Association schools are the most common types of private schools the Alabama region.
• The average private 4-year college costs $27,086 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $16,743 or 61.8% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average public 2-year college costs $5,801 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $11,601.

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.

• $7,107 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Alaska.
• $7,191 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $6,787 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
• Alaska’s private elementary schools are, on average, cost $2,900 more than secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $27,774 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $19,682 or 70.9% 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.

• $9,825 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Arizona.
• $9,356 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $13,772 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
• Secondary school costs $11,880 or 177% more than elementary school.
• The average private 4-year college costs $22,652 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $12,895 or 56.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average public 2-year college costs $5,801 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $11,601.

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.

• $6,187 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Arkansas.
• $6,173  is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $7,163 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $32,388 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $23,875 or 73.7% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $2,571 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $9133.

Cost of Private School in California

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

• $16,072 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in California.
• $15,290 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $20,942 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $51,750 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $23,791 or 64.3% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $1,517 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $9792.

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. 

• $12,881 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Colorado.
• $11,545 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $16,003 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $37,020 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $23,560 or 64.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,010 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $8489.

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. 

• $28,277 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Connecticut.
• $22,564 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $40,715 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• Secondary private schools charge an average of $24,910 more than elementary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $58,574 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $43,242 or 73.8% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,397 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $16122.

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.

• $11,209 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Delaware.
• $10,540 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $11,445 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $27,406 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $14,858 or 54.2% 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.

• $10,003 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Florida.
• $9,898 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $9,898 is the average cost of tuition at private secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $39,850 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $27,381 or 68.7% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $2,995 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $10889.

Cost of Private School in Georgia

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

• $11,541 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Georgia.
• $11,466 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $12,462 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $42,802 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $29,752 or 69.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $3,772 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $10,037.

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. 

• $14,492 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Hawaii.
• $14,364 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $17,502 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $31,126 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $17,977 or 57.8% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $3,854 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $10,029.

Cost of Private School in Idaho

Illinois private schools are less expensive than the average. The state’s secondary private schools are less expensive on average than private elementary schools nationwide.

• $8,316 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Idaho.
• $8,309 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $7,753 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $14,380 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $6,429 or 44.7% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $3,986 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $9,913.

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.

• $8,658 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Illinois.
• $7,952 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $12,879 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $49,076 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $35,570 or 72.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,823 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $13684.

Cost of Private School in Indiana

• $7,220 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Indiana.
• $5,751 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $10,601 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.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,378 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $10351.

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.

• $5,437 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Iowa.
• $4,839 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $9,208 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $44,850 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $35,019 or 78.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $6,342 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $7,964.

Cost of Private School in Kansas

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

• $8,158 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Kansas.
• $7,251 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $10,732 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $33,811 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $24,179 or 71.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,233 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $,5610.

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. 

• $8,158 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Kentucky.
• $6,972 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $8,150 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $36,281 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $26,928 or 74.2% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,253 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $17,719.

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. 

• $7,322 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Louisiana.
• $7,353 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $8,904 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $53,025 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $39,482 or 74.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,979 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $9,898.

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.

• $22,584 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Maine.
• $14,845 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $30,025 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• Private secondary schools cost 276% more than elementary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $54,375 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $40,535 or 74.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,515 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $7938.

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. 

• $14,063 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Maryland.
• $13,404 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $17,925 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $58,737 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $44,048 or 75% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,175 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $12,319.

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. 

• $24,744 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Massachusetts.
• $21,790 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $36,849 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $64,196 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $47,980 or 74.7% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $6,377 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $12,776.

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.

• $7,625 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Michigan.
• $6,537 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $11,791 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $39,785 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $29,405 or 73.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,425 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $7,845.

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. 

• $7,589 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Minnesota.
• $7,336 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $13,472 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $45,198 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $34,321 or 75.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $6,652 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $7,351.

Cost of Private School in Mississippi

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

• $6,028 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Mississippi.
• $5,920 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $6,611 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $27,219 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $18,612 or 68.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,102 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $6,974.

Cost of Private School in Missouri

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

• $10,494 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Missouri.
• $10,118 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $12,182 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $37,083 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $26,377 or 71.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,237 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $8123.

Cost of Private School in Montana

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

• $9,103 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Montana.
• $10,118 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $12,182 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• Tuition at Montana’s secondary private schools is 38% of the national average.
• The average private 4-year college costs $41,541 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $31,724 or 76.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,626 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $10,273.

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.

• $3,659 is the average tuition among elementary private schools in Nebraska.
• 70% of Nebraska’s private schools are K-5 only.
• Omaha is the city with the highest number and highest concentration of private schools.
• Lincoln has the second-highest number of private schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $35,110 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $25,313 or 72.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $3,709 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $4,744.

Cost of Private School in Nevada

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

• $10,468 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Nevada.
• $10,673 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $10,673 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $40,471 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $26,284 or 64.9% 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.

• $20,557 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in New Hampshire.
• $11,915 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $29,106 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $47,517 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $33,446 or 70.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $8,521 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $18,327.

Cost of Private School in New Jersey

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

• $15,240 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in New Jersey.
• $15,018 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $19,731 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $52,632 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $38,652 or 73.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $18,327 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $9,670.

Cost of Private School in New Mexico

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

• $8,545 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in New Mexico.
• $8,591 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $10,067 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $36,962 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $25,363 or 68.6% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $2,061 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $7916.

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.

• $20,554 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in New York.
• $21,001 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $26,273 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $56,958 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $41,404 or 72.7% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $6,545 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $11,029.

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.

• $9,696 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in North Carolina.
• $9,122 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $10,092 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $48,007 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $35,379 or 73.7% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $2,981 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $10,347.

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.

• Only 39 private schools in North Dakota receive federal title services.
• At the Shiloh Christina School in Bismarck, the average tuition price is $7,340.
• At St. John’s Academy in Jamestown, tuition is $3,320 for St. James Parish members and $4,260 for non-members.
• At Oak Grove Lutheran School in Fargo, tuition is $5,330 for K-5, $8,450 for grades 6-8, and $10,650 for 9-12.
• The average private 4-year college costs $23,702 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $15,732 or 66.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $6,063 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $7207.

Cost of Private School in Ohio

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

• $7,731 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Ohio.
• $7,084 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $10,660 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $45,869 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $34,009 or 69.6% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,175 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $8,997.

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.

• $6,611 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Oklahoma.
• $6,697 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $8,018 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $39,275 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $29,429 or 74.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,960 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $11,334.

Cost of Private School in Oregon

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

• $10,146 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Oregon.
• $9,352 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $12,257 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $55,132 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $42,202 or 76.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,834 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $10,326.

Cost of Private School in Pennsylvania

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

• $11,935 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Pennsylvania.
• $10,624 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $16,384 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $56,756 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $42,812 or 75.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $6,391 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $16,110.

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.

• $16,551 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Rhode Island.
• $13,877 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $28,550 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $59,321 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $43,919 or 74.0% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,617 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $14,991.

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.

• $7,708 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in South Carolina.
• $7,796  is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $7,919 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $36,235 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $26,270 or 72.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,875 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $12,198.

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.

• $5,320 is the annual tuition for Pre-K through Grade 6 at Aberdeen Christian School in Aberdeen.
• $6,055 is tuition for Grades 7 through 12.
• $3,830 is annual tuition among Sioux Falls Parish members for K-6 at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools in Sioux Falls.
• $4,360 is tuition for non-Sioux Falls parish members, and $5,080 is tuition for non-parish members.
• $4,350 is the members tuition rate for junior high school.
• $4,900 and $5,680 are tuition rates for non-members to attend junior high at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.
• $5,745, $6,345, and $6,945 are tuition rates for high school at Bishop O’Gorman.
• The average private 4-year college costs $33,606 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $25,353 or 75.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $7,732 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $7,222.

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.

• $10,705 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Tennessee.
• $10,695 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $11,153 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $40,037 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $29,200 or 72.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,233 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $20,242.

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.

• $10,462 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Texas.
• $10,120 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $11,691 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $48,032 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $36,014 or 74.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $2,845 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $7,616.

Cost of Private School in Utah

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

• $11,018 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Utah.
• $10,953 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $13,036 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $15,707 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $7,600 or 48.4% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,696 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $14,891.

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.

• $23,232 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Vermont.
• $18,075 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $32,155 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $61,021 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $46,445 or 76.1% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $7,952 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $16,012.

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.

• $14,512 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Virginia.
• $13,005 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $16,550 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $34,748 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $23,493 or 67.6% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $6,259 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $13,779.

Cost of Private School in Washington

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

• $12,328 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Washington.
• $12,435 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $14,420 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $52,333 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $39,791 or 76.0% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $6,259 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $13,779.

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.

• $6,164 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in West Virginia.
• $6,358 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $6,617 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $22,446 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $12,673 or 56.5% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,192 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $11,923.

Cost of Private School in Wisconsin

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

• $4,533 is the average tuition among all K-12 private schools in Wisconsin.
• $3,991 is the average cost of tuition at private elementary schools.
• $8,214 is the average cost of tuition at secondary schools.
• The average private 4-year college costs $46,798 per year including room and board.
• Tuition and required fees average $35,554 or 75.9% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $5,350 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $7,767.

Cost of Private School in Wyoming

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

• $3,215 is the cost of tuition and fees for K through Grade 8 at Destiny Christian Academy in Cheyenne.
• $3,465 is the cost of tuition and fees for Grades 9 through 12.
• $28,500 is the cost of tuition at Jackson Hole Community School, for Grades 9 through 12, in Jackson.
• $4,920 is the K through Grade 8 tuition rate for non-church members at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Cheyenne but students may receive up to 100% scholarship if at least one parent/guardian is a member of good standing in the church.
• Tuition and fees at an average private 2-year college costs $4,942 for in-state attendees; out-of-state attendees pay $12,072.

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 $54,207 per academic year.
• Tuition and fees are $38,687 or 71.4% of the total annual cost.
• A degree from an average private university costs $216,828.
• 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%.
• Private 2-year schools cost $33,270 per academic year.
• Tuition and fees are $17,968 or 54.0% of the total annual cost of attendance.
• The cost of a degree is $66,540.
• The cost of attendance increased 9.1% between 2010 and 2020.

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 parents’ 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 at private schools, $21,120 is the average award per scholar.
• For student boarders, $31,970 is the average grant award per scholar.
• 34.1% of students attending boarding schools receive financial aid.

Private School Tuition Allocation

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

• 56.3% of tuition goes towards staff salaries including teachers, instructional support, staff, and administrators.
• 9.93% of these costs are for teacher benefits and payroll.
• 13.1% of tuition costs go towards administration and financial costs.
• 2.59% goes towards paying for technology costs.
• 5.38% goes towards paying for plants.
• 0.7% goes towards athletic programs.
• 2.3% goes towards repair costs.

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