Private School Cost: Bellevue vs Minneapolis
Minneapolis averages $3,600/year less for private school (24% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $46,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Minneapolis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $15,000/year vs $18,600/year in Bellevue. Religious schools run $9,200/year on the low end.
Bellevue
WA
$18,600
avg tuition/year
Minneapolis
MN
$15,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bellevue | Minneapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,600/yr | $15,000/yr | +$3,600 |
| Religious Schools | $12,700/yr | $9,200/yr | +$3,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $39,700/yr | $27,500/yr | +$12,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,800/yr | $12,200/yr | +$3,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,600/yr | $15,000/yr | +$3,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,300/yr | $18,500/yr | +$3,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bellevue
$241,800
Minneapolis
$195,000
Choosing Minneapolis saves $46,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $93,600.
Sample Schools
Bellevue
The Overlake School
Independent · 5–12 · $37,800/yr
Bellevue Christian School
Christian · PK–12 · $14,200/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School (Tacoma)
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr
Minneapolis
Blake School
Independent · PK–12 · $34,800-$37,200/yr
Breck School
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Minnehaha Academy
Christian · PK–12 · $16,200-$17,800/yr
De La Salle High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/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.