How much does private school cost in Columbus?

Private school in Columbus averages $12,500/year in 2026 — 1% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $8,000/year; independent and prep schools average $23,500/year. Columbus has approximately 200 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Columbus for 2026?

Columbus private school tuition ranges from $5,000 to $31,000/year. The city average is $12,500/year ($1,042/month). Religious schools run lower at $8,000/year; top independent day schools can reach $31,000+.

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

Columbus private school tuition averages $12,500/year, which is 1% above the national average ($12,350/year). Columbus 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 Columbus?

The most affordable private schools in Columbus are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $8,000/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 Columbus 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Columbus?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Columbus's average of $12,500/year, a household income of $104,000+ 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 Columbus average $12,500/year. 1% above national avg. Religious schools run $8,000/year; independent schools average $23,500/year.

City Average

$12,500

per year

Monthly Est.

$1,042

per month

Private Schools

200

in Columbus

vs National

+$150

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Columbus (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$10,200/yr

~$850/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$12,500/yr

~$1,041/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$15,500/yr

~$1,291/mo

Tuition by School Type in Columbus

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$8,000/yr

+0% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$23,500/yr

-6% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$12,500/yr

+1% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Columbus

Starting From

$5,000

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$12,500

Typical school

Top End

$31,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Columbus private schools fall between $5,000 and $31,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Columbus: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Columbus School for Girls	$22,400–$24,800	Independent	PK–12
Columbus Academy	$24,200–$26,800	Independent	PK–12
DeSales High School	$12,800	Catholic	9–12
Watterson Catholic High School	$13,400	Catholic	9–12
Wellington School	$21,400–$23,200	Independent	PK–12
Worthington Christian School	$10,400–$12,200	Christian	K–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.