How much does private school cost in Columbia?

Private school in Columbia averages $8,300/year in 2026 — 33% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $5,900/year; independent and prep schools average $19,500/year. Columbia has approximately 85 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Columbia for 2026?

Columbia private school tuition ranges from $4,600 to $13,800/year. The city average is $8,300/year ($692/month). Religious schools run lower at $5,900/year; top independent day schools can reach $13,800+.

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

Columbia private school tuition averages $8,300/year, which is 33% below the national average ($12,350/year). Columbia 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 Columbia?

The most affordable private schools in Columbia are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $5,900/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 Columbia 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Columbia?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Columbia's average of $8,300/year, a household income of $69,000+ 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 Columbia average $8,300/year. 33% below national avg. Religious schools run $5,900/year; independent schools average $19,500/year.

City Average

$8,300

per year

Monthly Est.

$692

per month

Private Schools

in Columbia

vs National

-$4,050

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Columbia (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$7,100/yr

~$591/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$8,300/yr

~$691/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$10,000/yr

~$833/mo

Tuition by School Type in Columbia

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$5,900/yr

-26% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$19,500/yr

-22% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$8,300/yr

-33% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Columbia

Starting From

$4,600

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$8,300

Typical school

Top End

$13,800+

Elite prep schools

Most Columbia private schools fall between $4,600 and $13,800/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Columbia: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Columbia Independent School	$12,800	Independent	PK–8
Calvary Lutheran School (Columbia MO)	$8,400–$10,400	Lutheran	PK–8

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