Private School Cost: Cambridge vs Indianapolis
Indianapolis averages $20,000/year less for private school (167% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $260,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Indianapolis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,000/year vs $32,000/year in Cambridge. Religious schools run $7,800/year on the low end.
Cambridge
MA
$32,000
avg tuition/year
Indianapolis
IN
$12,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Cambridge | Indianapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $32,000/yr | $12,000/yr | +$20,000 |
| Religious Schools | $17,300/yr | $7,800/yr | +$9,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $65,000/yr | $22,500/yr | +$42,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $27,200/yr | $9,800/yr | +$17,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $32,000/yr | $12,000/yr | +$20,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $38,400/yr | $14,800/yr | +$23,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Cambridge
$416,000
Indianapolis
$156,000
Choosing Indianapolis saves $260,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $520,000.
Sample Schools
Cambridge
Cambridge School of Weston
Independent · 9–12 · $59,400/yr
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Independent · PK–12 · $58,800/yr
Indianapolis
Park Tudor School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,200-$26,800/yr
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Bishop Chatard High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr
Cathedral High School (Indianapolis)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
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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.