PrivateSchoolCost

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

$250 above national avg

Independence

MO

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg
Lower cost

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.