Private School Cost: Abilene vs Centennial
Abilene averages $4,000/year less for private school (41% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $52,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Abilene is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,700/year vs $13,700/year in Centennial. Religious schools run $6,600/year on the low end.
Abilene
TX
$9,700
avg tuition/year
Centennial
CO
$13,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Abilene | Centennial | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,700/yr | $13,700/yr | -$4,000 |
| Religious Schools | $6,600/yr | $8,900/yr | -$2,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $20,600/yr | $27,000/yr | -$6,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,200/yr | $11,600/yr | -$3,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,700/yr | $13,700/yr | -$4,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,600/yr | $16,400/yr | -$4,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Abilene
$126,100
Centennial
$178,100
Choosing Abilene saves $52,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $104,000.
Sample Schools
Abilene
Wylie Academy (Abilene)
Christian · K–12 · $8,800-$11,200/yr
St. Joseph School (Abilene)
Catholic · K–8 · $7,400-$9,000/yr
Centennial
Arapahoe Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
Cherry Creek Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr
About This Comparison
This comparison uses NCES Private School Universe Survey data, adjusted for metro-level cost-of-living differences. "Average tuition" blends religious schools (Catholic, Christian) and independent day/prep schools. Religious schools typically cost 60-70% less than independent schools in the same city.
Grade-level estimates (elementary, middle, high) are derived from the city average using national grade-level multipliers. High school tuition typically runs 15-25% above the city average; elementary runs 10-20% below.