How much does private school cost in Birmingham?

Private school in Birmingham averages $7,600/year in 2026 — 38% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $5,700/year; independent and prep schools average $15,500/year. Birmingham has approximately 185 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Birmingham for 2026?

Birmingham private school tuition ranges from $4,100 to $11,800/year. The city average is $7,600/year ($633/month). Religious schools run lower at $5,700/year; top independent day schools can reach $11,800+.

How does Birmingham private school cost compare to the national average?

Birmingham private school tuition averages $7,600/year, which is 38% below the national average ($12,350/year). Birmingham is more affordable than the national average for private school, with a higher share of parish-subsidized religious schools.

What are the most affordable private schools in Birmingham?

The most affordable private schools in Birmingham are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $5,700/year. Parish-subsidized Catholic schools often run $6,000–$12,000/year — the lowest-cost private option in most metro areas. Families with financial need can apply for aid; about 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based grants averaging 48% of tuition.

Private School Cost in Birmingham 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Birmingham?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Birmingham's average of $7,600/year, a household income of $63,000+ is generally needed without financial strain. Need-based aid and merit scholarships are available at most schools — always ask the admissions office.

Private schools in Birmingham average $7,600/year. 38% below national avg. Religious schools run $5,700/year; independent schools average $15,500/year.

City Average

$7,600

per year

Monthly Est.

$633

per month

Private Schools

185

in Birmingham

vs National

-$4,750

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Birmingham (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$6,500/yr

~$541/mo

Middle School (6–8)

Near the city average — most K–8 schools report blended rates.

$7,600/yr

~$633/mo

High School (9–12)

Prep school premium; college counseling and athletics raise the cost.

$9,100/yr

~$758/mo

Tuition by School Type in Birmingham

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.

$5,700/yr

-29% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$15,500/yr

-38% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$7,600/yr

-38% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Birmingham

Starting From

$4,100

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$7,600

Typical school

Top End

$11,800+

Elite prep schools

Most Birmingham private schools fall between $4,100 and $11,800/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Birmingham: 2026 Tuition Data

Representative schools — tuition figures from school websites and NCES. Verify with each school before applying.

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Mountain Brook Academy	$14,400	Independent	K–12
Indian Springs School	$24,800	Independent	8–12

Tuition data sourced from school websites (2025–26 academic year). Financial aid can reduce the net cost substantially — ask each school about aid availability.