How much does private school cost in Pittsburgh?

Private school in Pittsburgh averages $12,200/year in 2026 — 1% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $7,800/year; independent and prep schools average $22,800/year. Pittsburgh has approximately 200 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24 + local school data.

What is private school tuition in Pittsburgh for 2026?

Pittsburgh private school tuition ranges from $4,800 to $30,000/year. The city average is $12,200/year ($1,017/month). Religious schools run lower at $7,800/year; top independent day schools can reach $30,000+.

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

Pittsburgh private school tuition averages $12,200/year, which is 1% below the national average ($12,350/year). Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?

The most affordable private schools in Pittsburgh are typically Catholic and religious schools, which average $7,800/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 Pittsburgh 2026

Q: Can I afford private school in Pittsburgh?

A common rule is to keep tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Pittsburgh's average of $12,200/year, a household income of $102,000+ 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 Pittsburgh average $12,200/year. 1% below national avg. Religious schools run $7,800/year; independent schools average $22,800/year.

City Average

$12,200

per year

Monthly Est.

$1,017

per month

Private Schools

200

in Pittsburgh

vs National

-$150

per year

Private School Tuition by Grade in Pittsburgh (2026)

Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials

Elementary School (K–5)

Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.

$10,000/yr

~$833/mo

Middle School (6–8)

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

$12,200/yr

~$1,016/mo

High School (9–12)

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

$15,000/yr

~$1,250/mo

Tuition by School Type in Pittsburgh

Average annual tuition, 2026 data

Religious Schools

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

$7,800/yr

-3% vs national ($8,000)

Independent Schools

Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.

$22,800/yr

-9% vs national ($25,000)

All Private Schools (Avg)

Blended average across all types.

$12,200/yr

-1% vs national ($12,350)

Tuition Range in Pittsburgh

Starting From

$4,800

Parish and religious schools

City Average

$12,200

Typical school

Top End

$30,000+

Elite prep schools

Most Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh: 2026 Tuition Data

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

School	Annual Tuition	Type	Grades
Shady Side Academy	$27,800–$29,400	Independent	PK–12
Winchester Thurston School	$25,200–$27,600	Independent	PK–12
Central Catholic High School (Pittsburgh)	$13,400	Catholic	9–12
North Catholic High School	$11,800	Catholic	9–12
Community Day School (Pittsburgh)	$22,400	Jewish	K–8
St. Joseph High School (Pittsburgh)	$10,200	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.