What percentage of income should go to private school?

Financial planners use 10% of gross income as the sustainability ceiling. At that level, private school tuition competes with retirement savings and housing without destroying other goals. Above 15%, something meaningful is being sacrificed — usually retirement contributions or emergency savings. Above 20%, the household is on a fragile path that a single job disruption can unravel.

Can I Afford Private School Near Me? Compare to Your ZIP

Q: Can I afford private school?

At the national average of $14,000/year, the 10% benchmark requires $140,000 household income. Religious schools at $8,500/year need $85,000. Independent day schools in major metros often run $40,000–$60,000/year — that's 10% of $400,000–$600,000 income. About 27% of private school students receive financial aid averaging 48% of tuition. If you're close to the income threshold, apply — the actual cost may be much lower.

Enter your income and ZIP code. See your private school cost as a % of income, what percentile you're in locally, and how many households in your ZIP could afford it.

$1,167

Monthly cost
national avg, all grades

$14,004

Annual cost

10%

Income ceiling
10% of income

Your Affordability Check

Enter your income and ZIP code — we'll compare you to households in your area using Census data.

Annual Household Income

ZIP Code

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