Private School Cost: Akron vs Chicago
Akron averages $10,000/year less for private school (119% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $130,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Akron is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,400/year vs $18,400/year in Chicago. Religious schools run $6,000/year on the low end.
Akron
OH
$8,400
avg tuition/year
Chicago
IL
$18,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Akron | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,400/yr | $18,400/yr | -$10,000 |
| Religious Schools | $6,000/yr | $10,200/yr | -$4,200 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,500/yr | $32,000/yr | -$12,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,100/yr | $15,000/yr | -$7,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,400/yr | $18,400/yr | -$10,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $10,100/yr | $22,800/yr | -$12,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Akron
$109,200
Chicago
$239,200
Choosing Akron saves $130,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $260,000.
Sample Schools
Akron
Walsh Jesuit High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr
Firestone CLC Academy (Akron)
Independent · K–12 · $10,800/yr
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Independent · JK–12 · $38,040/yr
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Independent · N–12 · $35,700-$38,200/yr
Francis W. Parker School
Independent · JK–12 · $36,800/yr
St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago)
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,400/yr
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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.