Is private school cheaper in Athens or Des Moines?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $10,100/year in Athens. That's $3,200/year less, or $41,600 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $3,200/year less than Athens. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $41,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,000/year in Athens, $4,800/year in Des Moines.

How do Athens and Des Moines 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). Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Athens vs Des Moines

Des Moines averages $3,200/year less for private school (46% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $41,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $10,100/year in Athens. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Athens

$10,100

avg tuition/year

$2,250 below national avg

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Athens	Des Moines	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,100/yr	$6,900/yr	+$3,200
Religious Schools	$7,000/yr	$4,800/yr	+$2,200
Independent/Prep	$20,500/yr	$14,400/yr	+$6,100
Elementary (K-5)	$8,600/yr	$5,900/yr	+$2,700
Middle School (6-8)	$10,100/yr	$6,900/yr	+$3,200
High School (9-12)	$12,100/yr	$8,300/yr	+$3,800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Athens

$131,300

Des Moines

$89,700

Choosing Des Moines saves $41,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $83,200.

Sample Schools

Athens

Athens Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $18,200/yr

Prince Avenue Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr

Full Athens breakdown → Full Des Moines 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.