Private School Cost: Anchorage vs Erie
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $11,900/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Anchorage
AK
$11,900
avg tuition/year
Erie
PA
$11,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Anchorage | Erie | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,900/yr | $11,900/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $7,900/yr | $7,700/yr | +$200 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,500/yr | $27,700/yr | -$6,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,100/yr | $10,100/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,900/yr | $11,900/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $14,300/yr | $14,300/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Anchorage
$154,700
Erie
$154,700
Sample Schools
Anchorage
Pacific Northern Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $14,800/yr
Holy Rosary Academy (Anchorage)
Catholic · PK–8 · $9,600-$11,800/yr
Erie
Cathedral Preparatory School (Erie)
Catholic · 9–12 · $10,800/yr
Mercyhurst Preparatory School
Catholic · PK–12 · $12,400/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.