Private School Cost: Boston vs Little Rock
Little Rock averages $30,200/year less for private school (458% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $392,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Little Rock is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,600/year vs $36,800/year in Boston. Religious schools run $5,000/year on the low end.
Boston
MA
$36,800
avg tuition/year
Little Rock
AR
$6,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boston | Little Rock | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $36,800/yr | $6,600/yr | +$30,200 |
| Religious Schools | $18,500/yr | $5,000/yr | +$13,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $56,000/yr | $13,100/yr | +$42,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $30,000/yr | $5,600/yr | +$24,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $36,800/yr | $6,600/yr | +$30,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $46,000/yr | $7,900/yr | +$38,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boston
$478,400
Little Rock
$85,800
Choosing Little Rock saves $392,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $785,200.
Sample Schools
Boston
Boston Latin School (Exam)
Exam School (Public) · 7–12
Roxbury Latin School
Independent (need-based) · 7–12
Belmont Hill School
Independent · 7–12 · $59,800/yr
Boston College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $23,100/yr
Little Rock
Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
Independent · PK–12 · $11,800/yr
Mount St. Mary Academy
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/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.