Private School Cost: Cary vs Fayetteville
Fayetteville averages $4,900/year less for private school (74% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $63,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Fayetteville is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,600/year vs $11,500/year in Cary. Religious schools run $5,000/year on the low end.
Cary
NC
$11,500
avg tuition/year
Fayetteville
AR
$6,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Cary | Fayetteville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,500/yr | $6,600/yr | +$4,900 |
| Religious Schools | $8,100/yr | $5,000/yr | +$3,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $24,100/yr | $13,100/yr | +$11,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,800/yr | $5,600/yr | +$4,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,500/yr | $6,600/yr | +$4,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $13,800/yr | $7,900/yr | +$5,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Cary
$149,500
Fayetteville
$85,800
Choosing Fayetteville saves $63,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $127,400.
Sample Schools
Cary
Cary Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $25,800/yr
Thales Academy (Cary)
Independent · K–12 · $7,200-$9,400/yr
Fayetteville
Fayetteville Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
Providence Academy (Fayetteville AR)
Christian · 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.