How much does private school cost in Erie?

Private school in Erie averages $11,900/year in 2026 — 4% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $7,700/year; independent and prep schools average $27,700/year. Erie has approximately 85 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Erie for 2026?

Erie private school tuition ranges from $6,500 to $20,300/year. The city average is $11,900/year ($992/month). Religious schools run lower at $7,700/year; top independent day schools can reach $20,300+.

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

Erie private school tuition averages $11,900/year, which is 4% below the national average ($12,350/year). Erie 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 Erie?

The most affordable private schools in Erie are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $7,700/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 Erie 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Erie?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Erie's average of $11,900/year, a household income of $99,000+ 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 Erie average $11,900/year. 4% below national avg. Religious schools run $7,700/year; independent schools average $27,700/year.

City Average

$11,900

per year

Monthly Est.

$992

per month

Private Schools

in Erie

vs National

-$450

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Erie (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$10,100/yr

~$841/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$11,900/yr

~$991/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$14,300/yr

~$1,191/mo

Tuition by School Type in Erie

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$7,700/yr

-4% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$27,700/yr

+11% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$11,900/yr

-4% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Erie

Starting From

$6,500

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$11,900

Typical school

Top End

$20,300+

Elite prep schools

Most Erie private schools fall between $6,500 and $20,300/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in Erie: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Cathedral Preparatory School (Erie)	$10,800	Catholic	9–12
Mercyhurst Preparatory School	$12,400	Catholic	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.