Private School Cost: Atlanta vs Fayetteville
Fayetteville averages $6,200/year less for private school (69% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $80,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Fayetteville is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,000/year vs $15,200/year in Atlanta. Religious schools run $6,300/year on the low end.
Atlanta
GA
$15,200
avg tuition/year
Fayetteville
NC
$9,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Atlanta | Fayetteville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $9,000/yr | +$6,200 |
| Religious Schools | $9,400/yr | $6,300/yr | +$3,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $18,900/yr | +$9,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,500/yr | $7,700/yr | +$4,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $9,000/yr | +$6,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,800/yr | $10,800/yr | +$8,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Atlanta
$197,600
Fayetteville
$117,000
Choosing Fayetteville saves $80,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $161,200.
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
Fayetteville
Cape Fear Academy (Wilmington)
Independent · PK–12 · $16,400/yr
Fayetteville Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr
Related Comparisons
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.