Is private school cheaper in Annapolis or Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids has lower average private school tuition at $9,300/year vs $18,200/year in Annapolis. That's $8,900/year less, or $115,700 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Grand Rapids over Annapolis?

Average tuition in Grand Rapids is $8,900/year less than Annapolis. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $115,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $12,400/year in Annapolis, $6,400/year in Grand Rapids.

How do Annapolis and Grand Rapids private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Annapolis averages $18,200/year ($5,850 above average). Grand Rapids averages $9,300/year ($3,050 below average).

Private School Cost: Annapolis vs Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids averages $8,900/year less for private school (96% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $115,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Grand Rapids is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $18,200/year in Annapolis. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.

Annapolis

$18,200

avg tuition/year

$5,850 above national avg

Grand Rapids

$9,300

avg tuition/year

$3,050 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Annapolis	Grand Rapids	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,200/yr	$9,300/yr	+$8,900
Religious Schools	$12,400/yr	$6,400/yr	+$6,000
Independent/Prep	$38,400/yr	$19,800/yr	+$18,600
Elementary (K-5)	$15,500/yr	$7,900/yr	+$7,600
Middle School (6-8)	$18,200/yr	$9,300/yr	+$8,900
High School (9-12)	$21,800/yr	$11,200/yr	+$10,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Annapolis

$236,600

Grand Rapids

$120,900

Choosing Grand Rapids saves $115,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $231,400.

Sample Schools

Annapolis

St. Anne's School of Annapolis

Independent (Episcopal) · PK–8 · $28,400/yr

St. Mary's High School (Annapolis)

Catholic · 9–12 · $18,800/yr

Grand Rapids

West Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,400/yr

Christian High School (Grand Rapids)

Christian · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Northpointe Christian Schools

Christian · PK–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr

Full Annapolis breakdown → Full Grand Rapids breakdown →

Maryland private school costs Michigan 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.