Private School Cost: Boulder vs Provo
Provo averages $6,700/year less for private school (79% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $87,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Provo is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,500/year vs $15,200/year in Boulder. Religious schools run $5,900/year on the low end.
Boulder
CO
$15,200
avg tuition/year
Provo
UT
$8,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boulder | Provo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $8,500/yr | +$6,700 |
| Religious Schools | $9,900/yr | $5,900/yr | +$4,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $29,900/yr | $16,900/yr | +$13,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,900/yr | $7,200/yr | +$5,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $8,500/yr | +$6,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,200/yr | $10,200/yr | +$8,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boulder
$197,600
Provo
$110,500
Choosing Provo saves $87,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $174,200.
Sample Schools
Boulder
Naropa University Lab School
Independent · K–8 · $18,400/yr
Dawson School
Independent · PK–12 · $26,800/yr
Provo
Provo Peaks Elementary (Private)
Independent · K–6 · $7,800-$9,800/yr
Mountain View Academy (Provo)
Independent · K–12 · $8,800-$10,800/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.