Is private school cheaper in Ann Arbor or Topeka?

Topeka has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $10,400/year in Ann Arbor. That's $3,500/year less, or $45,500 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Topeka over Ann Arbor?

Average tuition in Topeka is $3,500/year less than Ann Arbor. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $45,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,200/year in Ann Arbor, $4,800/year in Topeka.

How do Ann Arbor and Topeka private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Ann Arbor averages $10,400/year ($1,950 below average). Topeka averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Ann Arbor vs Topeka

Topeka averages $3,500/year less for private school (51% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $45,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Topeka is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $10,400/year in Ann Arbor. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Ann Arbor

$10,400

avg tuition/year

$1,950 below national avg

Topeka

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Ann Arbor	Topeka	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,400/yr	$6,900/yr	+$3,500
Religious Schools	$7,200/yr	$4,800/yr	+$2,400
Independent/Prep	$22,200/yr	$14,300/yr	+$7,900
Elementary (K-5)	$8,800/yr	$5,900/yr	+$2,900
Middle School (6-8)	$10,400/yr	$6,900/yr	+$3,500
High School (9-12)	$12,500/yr	$8,300/yr	+$4,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Ann Arbor

$135,200

Topeka

$89,700

Choosing Topeka saves $45,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $91,000.

Sample Schools

Ann Arbor

Greenhills School

Independent · 6–12 · $24,800/yr

Father Gabriel Richard High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Topeka

Topeka Collegiate School

Independent · K–8 · $12,400/yr

Hayden Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $9,400/yr

Full Ann Arbor breakdown → Full Topeka breakdown →

Michigan private school costs Kansas private school costs

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.