Private School Cost: Arvada vs Elgin
Elgin averages $1,400/year less for private school (12% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $18,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $13,100/year in Arvada. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.
Arvada
CO
$13,100
avg tuition/year
Elgin
IL
$11,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Arvada | Elgin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,100/yr | $11,700/yr | +$1,400 |
| Religious Schools | $8,500/yr | $7,400/yr | +$1,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $25,700/yr | $27,100/yr | -$1,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,100/yr | $9,900/yr | +$1,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,100/yr | $11,700/yr | +$1,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,700/yr | $14,000/yr | +$1,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Arvada
$170,300
Elgin
$152,100
Choosing Elgin saves $18,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $36,400.
Sample Schools
Arvada
Ralston Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr
Arvada Academy
Independent · K–12 · $10,400/yr
Elgin
Timothy Christian Schools (Elgin)
Christian · K–12 · $11,200-$13,800/yr
St. Edward Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $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.