Is private school cheaper in Athens or Waco?

Athens has lower average private school tuition at $10,100/year vs $10,100/year in Waco. That's $0/year less, or $0 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Athens is $0/year less than Waco. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $0 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,000/year in Athens, $6,900/year in Waco.

How do Athens and Waco 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). Waco averages $10,100/year ($2,250 below average).

Private School Cost: Athens vs Waco

Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.

Bottom Line

Both cities average around $10,100/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.

Athens

$10,100

avg tuition/year

$2,250 below national avg

Waco

$10,100

avg tuition/year

$2,250 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Athens	Waco	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,100/yr	$10,100/yr	Same
Religious Schools	$7,000/yr	$6,900/yr	+$100
Independent/Prep	$20,500/yr	$21,300/yr	-$800
Elementary (K-5)	$8,600/yr	$8,600/yr	Same
Middle School (6-8)	$10,100/yr	$10,100/yr	Same
High School (9-12)	$12,100/yr	$12,100/yr	Same

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Athens

$131,300

Waco

$131,300

Sample Schools

Athens

Athens Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $18,200/yr

Prince Avenue Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Waco

Vanguard College Preparatory

Christian · 6–12 · $12,400/yr

Reicher Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,200/yr

Full Athens breakdown → Full Waco 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.