Private School Cost: Burlington vs Portland
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $18,200/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Burlington
VT
$18,200
avg tuition/year
Portland
OR
$18,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Burlington | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,200/yr | $18,200/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $11,000/yr | $10,400/yr | +$600 |
| Independent/Prep | $39,800/yr | $31,500/yr | +$8,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,500/yr | $14,800/yr | +$700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,200/yr | $18,200/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $21,800/yr | $22,500/yr | -$700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Burlington
$236,600
Portland
$236,600
Sample Schools
Burlington
Rice Memorial High School (Burlington VT)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr
Champlain Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr
Portland
Catlin Gabel School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,400-$41,200/yr
Oregon Episcopal School
Independent · PK–12 · $34,800/yr
Jesuit High School (Portland)
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr
Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Related Comparisons
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.