Is private school cheaper in Athens or Portland?

Athens has lower average private school tuition at $10,100/year vs $18,200/year in Portland. That's $8,100/year less, or $105,300 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Athens is $8,100/year less than Portland. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $105,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,000/year in Athens, $10,400/year in Portland.

How do Athens and Portland 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). Portland averages $18,200/year ($5,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Athens vs Portland

Athens averages $8,100/year less for private school (80% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $105,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Athens is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,100/year vs $18,200/year in Portland. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.

Athens

$10,100

avg tuition/year

$2,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Portland

$18,200

avg tuition/year

$5,850 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Athens	Portland	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,100/yr	$18,200/yr	-$8,100
Religious Schools	$7,000/yr	$10,400/yr	-$3,400
Independent/Prep	$20,500/yr	$31,500/yr	-$11,000
Elementary (K-5)	$8,600/yr	$14,800/yr	-$6,200
Middle School (6-8)	$10,100/yr	$18,200/yr	-$8,100
High School (9-12)	$12,100/yr	$22,500/yr	-$10,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Athens

$131,300

Portland

$236,600

Choosing Athens saves $105,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $210,600.

Sample Schools

Athens

Athens Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $18,200/yr

Prince Avenue Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Portland

Catlin Gabel School

Independent · PK–12 · $38,400-$41,200/yr

Oregon Episcopal School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,800/yr

Jesuit High School (Portland)

Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr

Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Full Athens breakdown → Full Portland breakdown →

Georgia private school costs Oregon 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.