Private School Cost in Chicago 2026
Private schools in Chicago average $18,400/year. 49% above national avg. Religious schools run $10,200/year; independent schools average $32,000/year.
City Average
$18,400
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,533
per month
Private Schools
530
in Chicago
vs National
+$6,050
per year
Private School Tuition by Grade in Chicago (2026)
Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials
Elementary School (K–5)
Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.
$15,000/yr
~$1,250/mo
Middle School (6–8)
Near the city average — most K–8 schools report blended rates.
$18,400/yr
~$1,533/mo
High School (9–12)
Prep school premium; college counseling and athletics raise the cost.
$22,800/yr
~$1,900/mo
Tuition by School Type in Chicago
Average annual tuition, 2026 data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$10,200/yr
+28% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$32,000/yr
+28% vs national ($25,000)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$18,400/yr
+49% vs national ($12,350)
Tuition Range in Chicago
Starting From
$6,500
Parish and religious schools
City Average
$18,400
Typical school
Top End
$40,000+
Elite prep schools
Most Chicago private schools fall between $6,500 and $40,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.
Private Schools in Chicago: 2026 Tuition Data
Representative schools — tuition figures from school websites and NCES. Verify with each school before applying.
| School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Latin School of Chicago | $38,040 |
| University of Chicago Laboratory Schools | $35,700–$38,200 |
| Francis W. Parker School | $36,800 |
| St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago) | $19,400 |
| Loyola Academy | $18,750 |
| Mount Carmel High School | $15,200 |
Tuition data sourced from school websites (2025–26 academic year). Financial aid can reduce the net cost substantially — ask each school about aid availability.
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