Is private school cheaper in Athens or Cincinnati?

Athens has lower average private school tuition at $10,100/year vs $11,800/year in Cincinnati. That's $1,700/year less, or $22,100 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Athens over Cincinnati?

Average tuition in Athens is $1,700/year less than Cincinnati. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $22,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,000/year in Athens, $7,600/year in Cincinnati.

How do Athens and Cincinnati private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Athens averages $10,100/year ($2,250 below average). Cincinnati averages $11,800/year ($550 below average).

Private School Cost: Athens vs Cincinnati

Athens averages $1,700/year less for private school (17% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $22,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Athens is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,100/year vs $11,800/year in Cincinnati. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.

Athens

$10,100

avg tuition/year

$2,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Cincinnati

$11,800

avg tuition/year

$550 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Athens	Cincinnati	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,100/yr	$11,800/yr	-$1,700
Religious Schools	$7,000/yr	$7,600/yr	-$600
Independent/Prep	$20,500/yr	$22,000/yr	-$1,500
Elementary (K-5)	$8,600/yr	$9,600/yr	-$1,000
Middle School (6-8)	$10,100/yr	$11,800/yr	-$1,700
High School (9-12)	$12,100/yr	$14,600/yr	-$2,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Athens

$131,300

Cincinnati

$153,400

Choosing Athens saves $22,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $44,200.

Sample Schools

Athens

Athens Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $18,200/yr

Prince Avenue Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Cincinnati

Cincinnati Country Day School

Independent · PK–12 · $24,400-$26,800/yr

Seven Hills School

Independent · PK–12 · $22,800-$25,200/yr

Moeller High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr

Elder High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Full Athens breakdown → Full Cincinnati breakdown →

Georgia private school costs Ohio private school costs

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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.