Private School Cost: Billings vs Fort Wayne
Billings averages $200/year less for private school (3% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $2,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Billings is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,700/year vs $7,900/year in Fort Wayne. Religious schools run $5,200/year on the low end.
Billings
MT
$7,700
avg tuition/year
Fort Wayne
IN
$7,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Billings | Fort Wayne | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,700/yr | $7,900/yr | -$200 |
| Religious Schools | $5,200/yr | $5,800/yr | -$600 |
| Independent/Prep | $14,900/yr | $16,500/yr | -$1,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,500/yr | $6,700/yr | -$200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,700/yr | $7,900/yr | -$200 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,200/yr | $9,500/yr | -$300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Billings
$100,100
Fort Wayne
$102,700
Choosing Billings saves $2,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $5,200.
Sample Schools
Billings
Billings Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Eagle Mount Academy (Billings)
Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr
Fort Wayne
Bishop Luers High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,800/yr
Canterbury School (Fort Wayne)
Independent · PK–12 · $20,400/yr
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.