Private School Cost: Bismarck vs Chicago
Bismarck averages $11,900/year less for private school (183% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $154,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Bismarck is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,500/year vs $18,400/year in Chicago. Religious schools run $4,600/year on the low end.
Bismarck
ND
$6,500
avg tuition/year
Chicago
IL
$18,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bismarck | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $6,500/yr | $18,400/yr | -$11,900 |
| Religious Schools | $4,600/yr | $10,200/yr | -$5,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $12,800/yr | $32,000/yr | -$19,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $5,500/yr | $15,000/yr | -$9,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $6,500/yr | $18,400/yr | -$11,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $7,800/yr | $22,800/yr | -$15,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bismarck
$84,500
Chicago
$239,200
Choosing Bismarck saves $154,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $309,400.
Sample Schools
Bismarck
Century High School Prep (Bismarck)
Independent · 9–12 · $8,800/yr
St. Mary's Central High School (Bismarck)
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Independent · JK–12 · $38,040/yr
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Independent · N–12 · $35,700-$38,200/yr
Francis W. Parker School
Independent · JK–12 · $36,800/yr
St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago)
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,400/yr
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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.