Is private school cheaper in Albany or Des Moines?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $19,700/year in Albany. That's $12,800/year less, or $166,400 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Des Moines over Albany?

Average tuition in Des Moines is $12,800/year less than Albany. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $166,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $11,300/year in Albany, $4,800/year in Des Moines.

How do Albany and Des Moines private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Albany averages $19,700/year ($7,350 above average). Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Albany vs Des Moines

Des Moines averages $12,800/year less for private school (186% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $166,400 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $19,700/year in Albany. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Albany

$19,700

avg tuition/year

$7,350 above national avg

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Albany	Des Moines	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$19,700/yr	$6,900/yr	+$12,800
Religious Schools	$11,300/yr	$4,800/yr	+$6,500
Independent/Prep	$41,900/yr	$14,400/yr	+$27,500
Elementary (K-5)	$16,700/yr	$5,900/yr	+$10,800
Middle School (6-8)	$19,700/yr	$6,900/yr	+$12,800
High School (9-12)	$23,600/yr	$8,300/yr	+$15,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Albany

$256,100

Des Moines

$89,700

Choosing Des Moines saves $166,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $332,800.

Sample Schools

Albany

Albany Academy (NY)

Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr

Vincentian Institute

Catholic · PK–12 · $12,800/yr

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr

Full Albany breakdown → Full Des Moines breakdown →

New York private school costs Iowa private school costs

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.