Is private school cheaper in Boulder or Independence?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $15,200/year in Boulder. That's $7,100/year less, or $92,300 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Independence over Boulder?

Average tuition in Independence is $7,100/year less than Boulder. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $92,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,900/year in Boulder, $5,700/year in Independence.

How do Boulder and Independence private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Boulder averages $15,200/year ($2,850 above average). Independence averages $8,100/year ($4,250 below average).

Private School Cost: Boulder vs Independence

Independence averages $7,100/year less for private school (88% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $92,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $15,200/year in Boulder. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Boulder

$15,200

avg tuition/year

$2,850 above national avg

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Boulder	Independence	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$15,200/yr	$8,100/yr	+$7,100
Religious Schools	$9,900/yr	$5,700/yr	+$4,200
Independent/Prep	$29,900/yr	$18,900/yr	+$11,000
Elementary (K-5)	$12,900/yr	$6,900/yr	+$6,000
Middle School (6-8)	$15,200/yr	$8,100/yr	+$7,100
High School (9-12)	$18,200/yr	$9,700/yr	+$8,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Boulder

$197,600

Independence

$105,300

Choosing Independence saves $92,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $184,600.

Sample Schools

Boulder

Naropa University Lab School

Independent · K–8 · $18,400/yr

Dawson School

Independent · PK–12 · $26,800/yr

Independence

Van Horn Academy (Independence MO)

Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Truman Academy

Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr

Full Boulder breakdown → Full Independence breakdown →

Colorado private school costs Missouri 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.