How much does private school cost in Detroit?

Private school in Detroit averages $11,500/year in 2026 — 7% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $7,600/year; independent and prep schools average $21,500/year. Detroit has approximately 220 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Detroit for 2026?

Detroit private school tuition ranges from $4,500 to $28,000/year. The city average is $11,500/year ($958/month). Religious schools run lower at $7,600/year; top independent day schools can reach $28,000+.

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

Detroit private school tuition averages $11,500/year, which is 7% below the national average ($12,350/year). Detroit 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 Detroit?

The most affordable private schools in Detroit 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 Detroit 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Detroit?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Detroit's average of $11,500/year, a household income of $96,000+ 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 Detroit average $11,500/year. 7% below national avg. Religious schools run $7,600/year; independent schools average $21,500/year.

City Average

$11,500

per year

Monthly Est.

$958

per month

Private Schools

220

in Detroit

vs National

-$850

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Detroit (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$9,400/yr

~$783/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$11,500/yr

~$958/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$14,200/yr

~$1,183/mo

Tuition by School Type in Detroit

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.

$21,500/yr

-14% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$11,500/yr

-7% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Detroit

Starting From

$4,500

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$11,500

Typical school

Top End

$28,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Detroit private schools fall between $4,500 and $28,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Detroit: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Cranbrook Kingswood School	$34,200–$36,800	Independent	PK–12
University of Detroit Jesuit High School	$16,200	Catholic	9–12
Brother Rice High School (Detroit)	$13,800	Catholic	9–12
Mercy High School (Farmington Hills)	$13,200	Catholic	9–12
Detroit Country Day School	$22,800–$25,200	Independent	PK–12
Roeper School	$26,800–$29,200	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.