Private School Cost: Allentown vs Fayetteville
Fayetteville averages $4,000/year less for private school (44% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $52,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Fayetteville is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,000/year vs $13,000/year in Allentown. Religious schools run $6,300/year on the low end.
Allentown
PA
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Fayetteville
NC
$9,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Allentown | Fayetteville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,000/yr | $9,000/yr | +$4,000 |
| Religious Schools | $8,300/yr | $6,300/yr | +$2,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $30,200/yr | $18,900/yr | +$11,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,100/yr | $7,700/yr | +$3,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,000/yr | $9,000/yr | +$4,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,600/yr | $10,800/yr | +$4,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Allentown
$169,000
Fayetteville
$117,000
Choosing Fayetteville saves $52,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $104,000.
Sample Schools
Allentown
Lehigh Valley Academy (Allentown)
Independent · K–12 · $10,800-$13,400/yr
Central Catholic High School (Allentown)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr
Fayetteville
Cape Fear Academy (Wilmington)
Independent · PK–12 · $16,400/yr
Fayetteville Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/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.