Private School Cost: Atlanta vs Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids averages $5,900/year less for private school (63% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $76,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Grand Rapids is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $15,200/year in Atlanta. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
Atlanta
GA
$15,200
avg tuition/year
Grand Rapids
MI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Atlanta | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $9,300/yr | +$5,900 |
| Religious Schools | $9,400/yr | $6,400/yr | +$3,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $19,800/yr | +$8,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,500/yr | $7,900/yr | +$4,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $9,300/yr | +$5,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,800/yr | $11,200/yr | +$7,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Atlanta
$197,600
Grand Rapids
$120,900
Choosing Grand Rapids saves $76,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $153,400.
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
Grand Rapids
West Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,400/yr
Christian High School (Grand Rapids)
Christian · 9–12 · $11,200/yr
Northpointe Christian Schools
Christian · PK–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
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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.