Private School Cost: Akron vs Birmingham
Birmingham averages $800/year less for private school (11% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $10,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Birmingham is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,600/year vs $8,400/year in Akron. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.
Akron
OH
$8,400
avg tuition/year
Birmingham
AL
$7,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Akron | Birmingham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,400/yr | $7,600/yr | +$800 |
| Religious Schools | $6,000/yr | $5,700/yr | +$300 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,500/yr | $15,500/yr | +$4,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,100/yr | $6,500/yr | +$600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,400/yr | $7,600/yr | +$800 |
| High School (9-12) | $10,100/yr | $9,100/yr | +$1,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Akron
$109,200
Birmingham
$98,800
Choosing Birmingham saves $10,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $20,800.
Sample Schools
Akron
Walsh Jesuit High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr
Firestone CLC Academy (Akron)
Independent · K–12 · $10,800/yr
Birmingham
Mountain Brook Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,400/yr
Indian Springs School
Independent · 8–12 · $24,800/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.