Private School Cost: Allen vs Independence
Independence averages $4,500/year less for private school (56% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $58,500 per child.
Bottom Line
Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $12,600/year in Allen. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.
Allen
TX
$12,600
avg tuition/year
Independence
MO
$8,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Allen | Independence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,600/yr | $8,100/yr | +$4,500 |
| Religious Schools | $8,600/yr | $5,700/yr | +$2,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $26,600/yr | $18,900/yr | +$7,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,700/yr | $6,900/yr | +$3,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,600/yr | $8,100/yr | +$4,500 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,100/yr | $9,700/yr | +$5,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Allen
$163,800
Independence
$105,300
Choosing Independence saves $58,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $117,000.
Sample Schools
Allen
Allen Christian Academy
Christian · PK–12 · $10,200-$12,800/yr
Our Lady of Angels School (Allen)
Catholic · K–8 · $8,800-$10,600/yr
Independence
Van Horn Academy (Independence MO)
Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
Truman Academy
Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/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.