Is private school cheaper in Boise or Grand Rapids?

Boise has lower average private school tuition at $8,000/year vs $9,300/year in Grand Rapids. That's $1,300/year less, or $16,900 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Boise over Grand Rapids?

Average tuition in Boise is $1,300/year less than Grand Rapids. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $16,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,500/year in Boise, $6,400/year in Grand Rapids.

How do Boise and Grand Rapids private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Boise averages $8,000/year ($4,350 below average). Grand Rapids averages $9,300/year ($3,050 below average).

Private School Cost: Boise vs Grand Rapids

Boise averages $1,300/year less for private school (16% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $16,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Boise is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,000/year vs $9,300/year in Grand Rapids. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.

Boise

$8,000

avg tuition/year

$4,350 below national avg

Lower cost

Grand Rapids

$9,300

avg tuition/year

$3,050 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Boise	Grand Rapids	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,000/yr	$9,300/yr	-$1,300
Religious Schools	$5,500/yr	$6,400/yr	-$900
Independent/Prep	$15,500/yr	$19,800/yr	-$4,300
Elementary (K-5)	$6,800/yr	$7,900/yr	-$1,100
Middle School (6-8)	$8,000/yr	$9,300/yr	-$1,300
High School (9-12)	$9,600/yr	$11,200/yr	-$1,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Boise

$104,000

Grand Rapids

$120,900

Choosing Boise saves $16,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $33,800.

Sample Schools

Boise

The Ambrose School (Boise)

Christian Classical · PK–12 · $12,200-$14,800/yr

Boise Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr

Grand Rapids

West Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,400/yr

Christian High School (Grand Rapids)

Christian · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Northpointe Christian Schools

Christian · PK–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr

Full Boise breakdown → Full Grand Rapids breakdown →

Idaho private school costs Michigan private school costs

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.