Private School Cost: Bismarck vs Fargo
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $6,500/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Bismarck
ND
$6,500
avg tuition/year
Fargo
ND
$6,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bismarck | Fargo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $6,500/yr | $6,500/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $4,600/yr | $4,600/yr | Same |
| Independent/Prep | $12,800/yr | $12,800/yr | Same |
| Elementary (K-5) | $5,500/yr | $5,500/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $6,500/yr | $6,500/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $7,800/yr | $7,800/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bismarck
$84,500
Fargo
$84,500
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
Fargo
Shanley High School (Fargo)
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Prairie Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,800/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.