How much does private school cost in Cincinnati?

Private school in Cincinnati averages $11,800/year in 2026 — 4% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $7,600/year; independent and prep schools average $22,000/year. Cincinnati has approximately 190 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Cincinnati for 2026?

Cincinnati private school tuition ranges from $4,600 to $29,000/year. The city average is $11,800/year ($983/month). Religious schools run lower at $7,600/year; top independent day schools can reach $29,000+.

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

Cincinnati private school tuition averages $11,800/year, which is 4% below the national average ($12,350/year). Cincinnati sits close to the national average, with a mix of religious and independent schools across a wide price range.

What are the most affordable private schools in Cincinnati?

The most affordable private schools in Cincinnati are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $7,600/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 Cincinnati 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Cincinnati?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Cincinnati's average of $11,800/year, a household income of $98,000+ 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 Cincinnati average $11,800/year. 4% below national avg. Religious schools run $7,600/year; independent schools average $22,000/year.

City Average

$11,800

per year

Monthly Est.

$983

per month

Private Schools

190

in Cincinnati

vs National

-$550

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Cincinnati (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$9,600/yr

~$800/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$11,800/yr

~$983/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$14,600/yr

~$1,216/mo

Tuition by School Type in Cincinnati

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$7,600/yr

-5% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$22,000/yr

-12% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$11,800/yr

-4% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Cincinnati

Starting From

$4,600

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$11,800

Typical school

Top End

$29,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Cincinnati private schools fall between $4,600 and $29,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Cincinnati: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Cincinnati Country Day School	$24,400–$26,800	Independent	PK–12
Seven Hills School	$22,800–$25,200	Independent	PK–12
Moeller High School	$13,800	Catholic	9–12
Elder High School	$12,400	Catholic	9–12
McAuley High School (Cincinnati)	$12,800	Catholic	9–12
Summit Country Day School	$21,200–$23,600	Independent	PK–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.