Private School Cost: Albany vs Madison
Madison averages $10,400/year less for private school (112% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $135,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Madison is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $19,700/year in Albany. Religious schools run $6,300/year on the low end.
Albany
NY
$19,700
avg tuition/year
Madison
WI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Albany | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $19,700/yr | $9,300/yr | +$10,400 |
| Religious Schools | $11,300/yr | $6,300/yr | +$5,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $41,900/yr | $21,100/yr | +$20,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $16,700/yr | $7,900/yr | +$8,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $19,700/yr | $9,300/yr | +$10,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $23,600/yr | $11,200/yr | +$12,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Albany
$256,100
Madison
$120,900
Choosing Madison saves $135,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $270,400.
Sample Schools
Albany
Albany Academy (NY)
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Vincentian Institute
Catholic · PK–12 · $12,800/yr
Madison
Edgewood Campus School
Catholic · PK–8 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/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.