Private School Cost: Akron vs Springfield
Akron averages $2,700/year less for private school (32% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $35,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Akron is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,400/year vs $11,100/year in Springfield. Religious schools run $6,000/year on the low end.
Akron
OH
$8,400
avg tuition/year
Springfield
IL
$11,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Akron | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,400/yr | $11,100/yr | -$2,700 |
| Religious Schools | $6,000/yr | $7,000/yr | -$1,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,500/yr | $25,700/yr | -$6,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,100/yr | $9,400/yr | -$2,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,400/yr | $11,100/yr | -$2,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $10,100/yr | $13,300/yr | -$3,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Akron
$109,200
Springfield
$144,300
Choosing Akron saves $35,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $70,200.
Sample Schools
Akron
Walsh Jesuit High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr
Firestone CLC Academy (Akron)
Independent · K–12 · $10,800/yr
Springfield
Sacred Heart-Griffin High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,800/yr
Springfield Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $8,800-$10,600/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.