Private School Cost: Birmingham vs Columbus
Birmingham averages $4,900/year less for private school (64% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $63,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Birmingham is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,600/year vs $12,500/year in Columbus. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.
Birmingham
AL
$7,600
avg tuition/year
Columbus
OH
$12,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Birmingham | Columbus | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,600/yr | $12,500/yr | -$4,900 |
| Religious Schools | $5,700/yr | $8,000/yr | -$2,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $23,500/yr | -$8,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,500/yr | $10,200/yr | -$3,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,600/yr | $12,500/yr | -$4,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,100/yr | $15,500/yr | -$6,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Birmingham
$98,800
Columbus
$162,500
Choosing Birmingham saves $63,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $127,400.
Sample Schools
Birmingham
Mountain Brook Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,400/yr
Indian Springs School
Independent · 8–12 · $24,800/yr
Columbus
Columbus School for Girls
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr
Columbus Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $24,200-$26,800/yr
DeSales High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr
Watterson Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/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.