Private school tuition costs $4,840 to $69,150 per year in 2026
Private school tuition costs $4,840 to $69,150 per year in 2026. DC Schools reports a national average of $14,950 for all grades, citing the Education Data Initiative. RaiseRight lists Catholic elementary schools at $4,840 and seven day boarding schools at $69,150. College Transitions lists the 2024 average at $12,790. School type, grade level, and your state change the price most.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| DC Schools | DC Schools reports a $14,950 national average, $13,963 for elementary, $18,046 for high school, and a $33,361 median for member day schools, citing the Education Data Initiative and NAIS. |
| College Transitions | College Transitions lists a $12,790 national average for 2024, Connecticut elementary at $25,642, and South Dakota elementary at $4,548. |
| RaiseRight | RaiseRight lists Catholic elementary at $4,840, five day boarding at $55,425, seven day boarding at $69,150, and a state range of $4,212 to $29,433. |
Private school tuition by type
| Type | Per year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| National average, all grades | $14,950 | DC Schools |
| National average, 2024 | $12,790 | College Transitions |
| Elementary school average | $13,963 | DC Schools |
| High school average | $18,046 | DC Schools |
| Catholic elementary average | $4,840 | RaiseRight |
| Member day school median, all grades | $33,361 | DC Schools |
| Five day boarding school | $55,425 | RaiseRight |
| Seven day boarding school | $69,150 | RaiseRight |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| School type | Catholic and church schools often cost the least, and day schools and boarding schools cost more. RaiseRight lists Catholic elementary at $4,840 and five day boarding at $55,425. |
| Grade level | High schools cost more than elementary schools. DC Schools reports $13,963 for elementary and $18,046 for high school, citing the Education Data Initiative. |
| State | Prices swing by place. College Transitions lists Connecticut elementary at $25,642 and South Dakota at $4,548. RaiseRight lists the state range as $4,212 to $29,433. |
| Day or boarding | Living on campus adds room, meals, and care. RaiseRight lists five day boarding at $55,425 and seven day boarding at $69,150 each year. |
| Top day schools | Well known independent schools charge much more than the average. DC Schools lists a median of $33,361 for member day schools, citing NAIS. |
What the price includes
Tuition usually covers classes and basic school services. Books, uniforms, lunches, trips, sports fees, and after school care are often extra. Boarding fees cover housing and meals. Many schools also ask for application, enrollment, and building fund fees. Ask the school for a full list of fees, not just tuition. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Each school sets its own price, so there is no one national rate. Most schools bill tuition once a year or split it into monthly or quarterly payments. Many also charge an application fee, an enrollment deposit, and extra fees for books, uniforms, and trips. Boarding schools bill for room and meals on top of tuition. College Transitions says the 2024 average was $12,790, and RaiseRight lists a state range from $4,212 to $29,433. Always ask for the school's current fee sheet.
When you need this
Families choose private school for smaller classes, a faith based setting, a special program, or a better fit for the child. A child with special needs may do better in a school that offers that help. Visit the school, ask about class size, and compare the full cost with your local public school.
How to judge your quote
- Ask for tuition and every other fee in writing.
- Ask when tuition rises and by how much.
- Ask what financial aid is open to new students.
- Ask what costs extra, like lunch, trips, and sports.
- Compare the total with the range above: $4,840 to $69,150 per year for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Ask about financial aid. Many independent schools give aid based on need, so apply early and ask which forms the school wants.
- Look at Catholic and church schools. RaiseRight lists Catholic elementary schools at $4,840 per year, far below the national average.
- Ask for sibling discounts and payment plans. Many schools cut tuition for a second child or let you pay by the month.
- Check state school choice or voucher programs. Some states help pay for private school, so read the rules where you live.
- Ask about merit awards. Some schools give awards for grades, music, art, or sports, so ask what is on offer.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from DC Schools, College Transitions and RaiseRight. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much is private school tuition per year?
DC Schools reports an average of $14,950 for all grades. College Transitions lists $12,790 for 2024.
How much does private elementary school cost?
DC Schools reports $13,963 on average. RaiseRight lists Catholic elementary schools at $4,840.
How much does private high school cost?
DC Schools reports $18,046 on average. It lists a median of $38,386 for member day high schools.
How much does boarding school cost?
RaiseRight lists $55,425 for five day boarding and $69,150 for seven day boarding per year.
Which state has the cheapest private school?
RaiseRight lists South Dakota as the lowest at $4,212 per year. It lists Connecticut as the highest at $29,433.