Is private school cheaper in Arvada or Waterbury?

Arvada has lower average private school tuition at $13,100/year vs $20,500/year in Waterbury. That's $7,400/year less, or $96,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Arvada over Waterbury?

Average tuition in Arvada is $7,400/year less than Waterbury. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $96,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,500/year in Arvada, $11,300/year in Waterbury.

How do Arvada and Waterbury private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Arvada averages $13,100/year ($750 above average). Waterbury averages $20,500/year ($8,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Arvada vs Waterbury

Arvada averages $7,400/year less for private school (56% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $96,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Arvada is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,100/year vs $20,500/year in Waterbury. Religious schools run $8,500/year on the low end.

Arvada

$13,100

avg tuition/year

$750 above national avg

Lower cost

Waterbury

$20,500

avg tuition/year

$8,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Arvada	Waterbury	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$13,100/yr	$20,500/yr	-$7,400
Religious Schools	$8,500/yr	$11,300/yr	-$2,800
Independent/Prep	$25,700/yr	$40,800/yr	-$15,100
Elementary (K-5)	$11,100/yr	$17,400/yr	-$6,300
Middle School (6-8)	$13,100/yr	$20,500/yr	-$7,400
High School (9-12)	$15,700/yr	$24,600/yr	-$8,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Arvada

$170,300

Waterbury

$266,500

Choosing Arvada saves $96,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $192,400.

Sample Schools

Arvada

Ralston Valley Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr

Arvada Academy

Independent · K–12 · $10,400/yr

Waterbury

Holy Cross High School (Waterbury)

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Crosby High School (Waterbury)

Independent · 9–12 · $9,800/yr

Full Arvada breakdown → Full Waterbury breakdown →

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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.