Is private school cheaper in Ann Arbor or Tucson?

Ann Arbor has lower average private school tuition at $10,400/year vs $10,800/year in Tucson. That's $400/year less, or $5,200 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Ann Arbor is $400/year less than Tucson. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $5,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,200/year in Ann Arbor, $7,200/year in Tucson.

How do Ann Arbor and Tucson 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). Tucson averages $10,800/year ($1,550 below average).

Private School Cost: Ann Arbor vs Tucson

Ann Arbor averages $400/year less for private school (4% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $5,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Ann Arbor is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,400/year vs $10,800/year in Tucson. Religious schools run $7,200/year on the low end.

Ann Arbor

$10,400

avg tuition/year

$1,950 below national avg

Lower cost

Tucson

$10,800

avg tuition/year

$1,550 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Ann Arbor	Tucson	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,400/yr	$10,800/yr	-$400
Religious Schools	$7,200/yr	$7,200/yr	Same
Independent/Prep	$22,200/yr	$20,500/yr	+$1,700
Elementary (K-5)	$8,800/yr	$8,800/yr	Same
Middle School (6-8)	$10,400/yr	$10,800/yr	-$400
High School (9-12)	$12,500/yr	$13,400/yr	-$900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Ann Arbor

$135,200

Tucson

$140,400

Choosing Ann Arbor saves $5,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $10,400.

Sample Schools

Ann Arbor

Greenhills School

Independent · 6–12 · $24,800/yr

Father Gabriel Richard High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Tucson

Basis Tucson North

Charter (Free) · 5–12

Salpointe Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $10,200-$11,800/yr

Tanque Verde School

Public District · K–12

Full Ann Arbor breakdown → Full Tucson breakdown →

Michigan private school costs Arizona 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.