Is private school cheaper in Allen or Washington DC?

Allen has lower average private school tuition at $12,600/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. That's $15,800/year less, or $205,400 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Allen over Washington DC?

Average tuition in Allen is $15,800/year less than Washington DC. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $205,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,600/year in Allen, $15,200/year in Washington DC.

How do Allen and Washington DC private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Allen averages $12,600/year ($250 above average). Washington DC averages $28,400/year ($16,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Allen vs Washington DC

Allen averages $15,800/year less for private school (125% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $205,400 per child.

Bottom Line

Allen is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,600/year vs $28,400/year in Washington DC. Religious schools run $8,600/year on the low end.

Allen

$12,600

avg tuition/year

$250 above national avg

Lower cost

Washington DC

$28,400

avg tuition/year

$16,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Allen	Washington DC	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$12,600/yr	$28,400/yr	-$15,800
Religious Schools	$8,600/yr	$15,200/yr	-$6,600
Independent/Prep	$26,600/yr	$46,000/yr	-$19,400
Elementary (K-5)	$10,700/yr	$23,000/yr	-$12,300
Middle School (6-8)	$12,600/yr	$28,400/yr	-$15,800
High School (9-12)	$15,100/yr	$35,500/yr	-$20,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Allen

$163,800

Washington DC

$369,200

Choosing Allen saves $205,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $410,800.

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

Washington DC

Sidwell Friends School

Independent (Quaker) · PK–12 · $52,900/yr

Georgetown Day School

Independent · PK–12 · $51,400/yr

National Cathedral School

Independent · 4–12 · $50,200/yr

Gonzaga College High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $25,400/yr

Full Allen breakdown → Full Washington DC breakdown →

Texas private school costs District of Columbia private school costs

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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.