Private School Cost: Atlanta vs Lansing
Lansing averages $6,700/year less for private school (79% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $87,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Lansing is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,500/year vs $15,200/year in Atlanta. Religious schools run $5,900/year on the low end.
Atlanta
GA
$15,200
avg tuition/year
Lansing
MI
$8,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Atlanta | Lansing | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $8,500/yr | +$6,700 |
| Religious Schools | $9,400/yr | $5,900/yr | +$3,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $18,200/yr | +$10,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,500/yr | $7,200/yr | +$5,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $8,500/yr | +$6,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,800/yr | $10,200/yr | +$8,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Atlanta
$197,600
Lansing
$110,500
Choosing Lansing saves $87,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $174,200.
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
Lansing
Lansing Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr
Potter's House Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/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.