Private School Cost: Boulder vs Kansas City
Kansas City averages $2,400/year less for private school (19% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $31,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Kansas City is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,800/year vs $15,200/year in Boulder. Religious schools run $8,200/year on the low end.
Boulder
CO
$15,200
avg tuition/year
Kansas City
MO
$12,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boulder | Kansas City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $12,800/yr | +$2,400 |
| Religious Schools | $9,900/yr | $8,200/yr | +$1,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $29,900/yr | $24,000/yr | +$5,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,900/yr | $10,400/yr | +$2,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $12,800/yr | +$2,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,200/yr | $15,800/yr | +$2,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boulder
$197,600
Kansas City
$166,400
Choosing Kansas City saves $31,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $62,400.
Sample Schools
Boulder
Naropa University Lab School
Independent · K–8 · $18,400/yr
Dawson School
Independent · PK–12 · $26,800/yr
Kansas City
Pembroke Hill School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,800-$26,400/yr
Rockhurst High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Bishop Miege High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr
St. Teresa's Academy (KC)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/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.