Private School Cost: Birmingham vs Greenville
Birmingham averages $900/year less for private school (12% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $11,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Birmingham is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,600/year vs $8,500/year in Greenville. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.
Birmingham
AL
$7,600
avg tuition/year
Greenville
SC
$8,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Birmingham | Greenville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,600/yr | $8,500/yr | -$900 |
| Religious Schools | $5,700/yr | $6,200/yr | -$500 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $17,600/yr | -$2,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,500/yr | $7,200/yr | -$700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,600/yr | $8,500/yr | -$900 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,100/yr | $10,200/yr | -$1,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Birmingham
$98,800
Greenville
$110,500
Choosing Birmingham saves $11,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $23,400.
Sample Schools
Birmingham
Mountain Brook Academy
Independent · K–12 · $14,400/yr
Indian Springs School
Independent · 8–12 · $24,800/yr
Greenville
Greenville Technical Charter High School (Private Prep)
Independent · 9–12 · $10,800/yr
Bob Jones Academy (Greenville)
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/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.