How much does private school cost in New Orleans?

Private school in New Orleans 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. New Orleans has approximately 180 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in New Orleans for 2026?

New Orleans private school tuition ranges from $4,800 to $30,000/year. The city average is $11,800/year ($983/month). Religious schools run lower at $7,600/year; top independent day schools can reach $30,000+.

How does New Orleans private school cost compare to the national average?

New Orleans private school tuition averages $11,800/year, which is 4% below the national average ($12,350/year). New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

The most affordable private schools in New Orleans 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 New Orleans 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in New Orleans?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At New Orleans'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 New Orleans 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

180

in New Orleans

vs National

-$550

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in New Orleans (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 New Orleans

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 New Orleans

Starting From

$4,800

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$11,800

Typical school

Top End

$30,000+

Elite prep schools

Most New Orleans private schools fall between $4,800 and $30,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.

Private Schools in New Orleans: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Tulane-affiliated University Schools	$21,400–$23,800	Independent	PK–12
Jesuit High School New Orleans	$15,400	Catholic	9–12
Ursuline Academy (New Orleans)	$13,200	Catholic	6–12
Brother Martin High School	$12,800	Catholic	9–12
Metairie Park Country Day School	$22,800–$24,400	Independent	PK–12
Dominican High School	$10,400	Catholic	9–12

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