Private School Cost: Boulder vs McAllen
McAllen averages $5,800/year less for private school (62% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $75,400 per child.
Bottom Line
McAllen is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $15,200/year in Boulder. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
Boulder
CO
$15,200
avg tuition/year
McAllen
TX
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boulder | McAllen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $9,400/yr | +$5,800 |
| Religious Schools | $9,900/yr | $6,400/yr | +$3,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $29,900/yr | $19,800/yr | +$10,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,900/yr | $8,000/yr | +$4,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $9,400/yr | +$5,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,200/yr | $11,300/yr | +$6,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boulder
$197,600
McAllen
$122,200
Choosing McAllen saves $75,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $150,800.
Sample Schools
Boulder
Naropa University Lab School
Independent · K–8 · $18,400/yr
Dawson School
Independent · PK–12 · $26,800/yr
McAllen
McAllen Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $8,200-$10,200/yr
St. Joseph Academy (McAllen)
Catholic · K–12 · $7,400-$9,200/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.