How much does private school cost?
How much does private school cost?
$10,000 – $20,000 average cost per year
$800 – $1,700 average cost per month
Average cost of private school by level
Private school costs $10,000 to $20,000 per year or $800 to $1,700 per month on average. Private elementary schools cost $5,000 to $15,000 per year, while private high schools cost $11,000 to $30,000 per year. Private school tuition prices depend on the school type, location, facilities, and education level.
| School level | Average cost (per month) | Average cost (per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | $400 – $13,000 | $4,000 – $13,000 |
| K-12 | $800 – $1,700 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Primary / elementary (grades 1 – 6) | $400 – $1,300 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Secondary / middle & high school (grades 7 – 12) | $900 – $2,500 | $11,000 – $30,000 |
Private school tuition cost by type
The table below shows the average cost of private school tuition by school type.
| Private school type | Average cost (per year) |
|---|---|
| Preschool | $4,000 – $13,000 |
| Catholic school | $3,500 – $13,000 |
| Day school | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Boarding school (5-day) | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| Boarding school (7-day) | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| 4-year private college (includes room & board) | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Homeschool with private teacher | $4,000 – $8,000 per month |
Private day school cost
Private day school costs $10,000 to $20,000 per year on average. Private day schools are the most common private school type and run just like public schools, with students attending class during the day and going home after school.
Schools that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) typically cost more than non-members.
A private day school may be co-ed, all-girls, or all-boys.
Private day school tuition increases with education level.
Private preschool cost
Private preschool costs $400 to $1,300 monthly or $4,000 to $13,000 annually, with the school year running from September to June. Most private preschools have smaller class sizes and a customizable curriculum for more personalized tutoring. Preschool teaches the basics to prepare a child for elementary school.
Some parents may prefer the larger class size of a public preschool for the increased social interaction. Check out our guide on how to find a free preschool to evaluate your options.
Catholic school cost
Catholic school costs $3,500 to $13,000 per year, with primary school falling at the low end and high school costing the most. Most Catholic schools have lower tuition rates than other private schools, and many schools reduce the tuition even further for families with multiple children.
Private Catholic school tuition typically costs more if you are not a parish member.
Boarding school prices
Average boarding school tuition costs $50,000 to $70,000+ per year for 7-day boarding and $40,000 to $60,000 per year for 5-day boarding that allows students to spend weekends at home with family. Some boarding schools offer both boarding and day programs, with younger students typically attending day school.
There are 300+ boarding schools across the U.S., with over 50% in the northeast.
Tuition costs increase for higher education levels.
Private boarding school tuition typically covers classes, boarding, and meals.
Boarding students may need additional funds for books, school supplies, laundry, and other necessities.
Private homeschool cost
Hiring a private homeschool teacher costs $4,000 to $8,000 per month for full-time or $400 to $3,000 per month for part-time. Joining a learning group for semi-private homeschooling costs $1,300 to $4,000 per month, depending on the number of families splitting the teacher's salary.
Additional costs associated with private school
Additional expenses besides tuition can add 30%+ to the annual cost of private school:
Textbooks
Technology fees
Registration fees
Transportation
Field trips
Testing fees
Uniforms
Meal plans
Yearbooks
Graduation fees
Sports, music, and other activities
Average private school cost by state
The table below shows the average annual private school tuition by state, with elementary tuition falling at the low end of the price range and secondary school tuition falling at the high end.
| State | Average annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $7,600 – $8,000 |
| Alaska | $7,200 – $6,800 |
| Arizona | $9,400 – $13,800 |
| Arkansas | $6,200 – $7,200 |
| California | $15,300 – $20,900 |
| Colorado | $11,500 – $16,000 |
| Connecticut | $22,600 – $40,700 |
| Delaware | $10,500 – $11,400 |
| Florida | $9,900 – $11,200 |
| Georgia | $11,500 – $12,500 |
| Hawaii | $14,400 – $17,500 |
| Idaho | $8,300 – $7,800 |
| Illinois | $8,000 – $12,900 |
| Indiana | $5,800 – $10,600 |
| Iowa | $4,800 – $9,200 |
| Kansas | $7,300 – $10,700 |
| Kentucky | $7,000 – $8,200 |
| Louisiana | $7,400 – $8,900 |
| Maine | $14,800 – $30,000 |
| Maryland | $13,400 – $17,900 |
| Massachusetts | $21,800 – $36,800 |
| Michigan | $6,500 – $11,800 |
| Minnesota | $7,300 – $13,500 |
| Mississippi | $5,900 – $6,600 |
| Missouri | $10,100 – $12,200 |
| Montana | $8,400 – $8,500 |
| Nebraska | $3,700 – $7,900 |
| Nevada | $10,700 – $11,400 |
| New Hampshire | $11,900 – $29,100 |
| New Jersey | $15,000 – $19,700 |
| New Mexico | $8,600 – $10,100 |
| New York | $21,000 – $26,300 |
| North Carolina | $9,100 – $10,100 |
| North Dakota | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Ohio | $7,100 – $10,700 |
| Oklahoma | $6,600 – $7,600 |
| Oregon | $9,400 – $12,300 |
| Pennsylvania | $10,600 – $16,400 |
| Rhode Island | $13,900 – $28,600 |
| South Carolina | $7,800 – $7,900 |
| South Dakota | $4,000 – $6,400 |
| Tennessee | $10,700 – $11,200 |
| Texas | $10,100 – $11,700 |
| Utah | $11,000 – $13,000 |
| Vermont | $18,100 – $32,200 |
| Virginia | $9,400 – $13,800 |
| Washington | $12,400 – $14,400 |
| West Virginia | $6,400 – $6,600 |
| Wisconsin | $4,000 – $8,200 |
| Wyoming | $7,000 – $20,000 |
How to pay for private school
Paying for private school can be daunting. Here are some potential ways to make it more affordable:
Grants & financial aid – Many schools offer tuition help to students based on financial need or merit. Grants do not need to be paid back.
Scholarships – Most tuition scholarships are awarded based on scholastic, athletic, or artistic abilities. Many scholarship applications require the student to write an essay on an assigned topic.
Loans – Federal student loans are not available for private schools, but private loan options may be available.
Payment plans – Some schools allow tuition to be paid in monthly installments over the course of the school year.
Special savings accounts – 529 plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are savings accounts with tax benefits that can be used to pay for private school tuition in most states. Funds from Coverdell ESAs can also be used for non-tuition school supplies.
Discounts – Some schools offer discounted tuition rates for military families.
Negotiation – Private schools don't typically advertise it, but you may be able to negotiate the tuition cost if you ask.
Private school FAQs {#faq|
Is private school worth it?
Whether private school is worth it depends on your budget, the specific school, and your child's individual needs. Private schools typically have smaller class sizes and allow more personalized attention, but the teacher-to-student ratio varies by location, and some may be similar to some public schools.
Since not all private schools are better or safer than local public schools, research and compare key factors for both options to ensure you make the most informed decision. These factors may include:
Cost
Curriculum
Class size
Student performance
Graduation rates
College enrollment rates
Student body diversity
Faculty turnover rates
Available programs
Public school is often the best choice for students with learning disabilities because public schools are more strictly regulated and may have more resources committed to special education.
What is the difference between public and private school?
Public schools are government funded and do not charge students tuition, while private schools obtain their own funding through tuition fees, fundraisers, endowments, and other sources. Private schools often have a larger budget to work with for better supplies and technology than public schools.
The table below shows some key differences between public and private educational institutions:
| Private school | Public school |
|---|---|
|
|
Is private school tuition tax deductible?
Private school tuition is typically not tax deductible. You may be able to deduct the tuition as a medical expense with a doctor's referral showing the child requires private schooling for special needs.
Although you can't deduct private school tuition directly, 529 plans and Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) offer tax benefits and can be used to fund private school tuition in most states. Check the options and rules in your state before opening an account.
Can a 529 plan be used for private school?
Yes, in most states, up to $10,000 per student annually can be withdrawn tax-free from a 529 plan to pay for private school tuition and qualified education expenses. Qualified expenses may include:
Tuition
Room and board
Technology items
Mandatory books and supplies
Student loan repayment
Check with a financial advisor to confirm the rules for 529 plans in your state.
How to choose the best private school
Follow these guidelines to help you choose the best private school near you:
Read reviews on TrustedCare and Google.
Review the curriculum and what extracurricular programs they offer.
Ask what organizations they belong to.
Check the school's graduation and college enrollment rates.
Ask about the class size and teacher-to-student ratio.
Inquire about the student body diversity.
Take a tour of the campus and school facilities. Observe the faculty-student interaction and check out the quality of any student work on display.
Ask about the application process and costs.
Get referrals from other parents.
Questions to ask
Consider asking the following questions to help you select the best private school for your child or children:
What is your school's primary philosophy?
Are you a for-profit, not-for-profit, or non-profit school?
Does the school have a religious affiliation?
Where is the school's mission statement displayed?
What curriculum do you use?
What education and training do your teachers have?
How big are your classes?
Do you have teacher's assistants?
How much is the tuition?
Do you offer financial assistance or payment plans?
What does the tuition include?
What extra fees should I expect throughout the year?
What extracurricular activities do you offer?
What are your safety policies, and who oversees them?
What is your grading policy?
What is your homework policy?
Do you offer tutoring if my student is struggling in a class?
What percentage of your graduates go on to further education?
Do you update parents on the student's progress, and how often?