Is private school cheaper in Atlanta or Elgin?

Elgin has lower average private school tuition at $11,700/year vs $15,200/year in Atlanta. That's $3,500/year less, or $45,500 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Elgin over Atlanta?

Average tuition in Elgin is $3,500/year less than Atlanta. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $45,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,400/year in Atlanta, $7,400/year in Elgin.

How do Atlanta and Elgin private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Atlanta averages $15,200/year ($2,850 above average). Elgin averages $11,700/year ($650 below average).

Private School Cost: Atlanta vs Elgin

Elgin averages $3,500/year less for private school (30% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $45,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $15,200/year in Atlanta. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.

Atlanta

$15,200

avg tuition/year

$2,850 above national avg

Elgin

$11,700

avg tuition/year

$650 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Atlanta	Elgin	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$15,200/yr	$11,700/yr	+$3,500
Religious Schools	$9,400/yr	$7,400/yr	+$2,000
Independent/Prep	$28,500/yr	$27,100/yr	+$1,400
Elementary (K-5)	$12,500/yr	$9,900/yr	+$2,600
Middle School (6-8)	$15,200/yr	$11,700/yr	+$3,500
High School (9-12)	$18,800/yr	$14,000/yr	+$4,800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Atlanta

$197,600

Elgin

$152,100

Choosing Elgin saves $45,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $91,000.

Sample Schools

Atlanta

The Westminster Schools

Independent · 1–12 · $35,800-$38,400/yr

Pace Academy

Independent · K–12 · $34,200/yr

Lovett School

Independent · K–12 · $33,600/yr

Marist School Atlanta

Catholic · 7–12 · $19,400/yr

Elgin

Timothy Christian Schools (Elgin)

Christian · K–12 · $11,200-$13,800/yr

St. Edward Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Full Atlanta breakdown → Full Elgin breakdown →

Georgia private school costs Illinois private school costs

Related Comparisons

Atlanta vs Charlotte → Nashville vs Atlanta → Washington DC vs Atlanta →

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.