Private School Cost: Buffalo vs Syracuse
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $18,500/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Buffalo
NY
$18,500
avg tuition/year
Syracuse
NY
$18,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Buffalo | Syracuse | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,500/yr | $18,500/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $10,600/yr | $10,600/yr | Same |
| Independent/Prep | $39,400/yr | $39,400/yr | Same |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,700/yr | $15,700/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,500/yr | $18,500/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $22,200/yr | $22,200/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Buffalo
$240,500
Syracuse
$240,500
Sample Schools
Buffalo
Canisius High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Buffalo Seminary
Independent · 7–12 · $22,400/yr
Nardin Academy
Catholic · PK–12 · $16,800/yr
Syracuse
Christian Brothers Academy (Syracuse)
Catholic · 7–12 · $16,200/yr
Bishop Grimes Jr/Sr High School
Catholic · 7–12 · $12,400/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.