Private School Cost: Cary vs Providence
Cary averages $10,500/year less for private school (91% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $136,500 per child.
Bottom Line
Cary is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,500/year vs $22,000/year in Providence. Religious schools run $8,100/year on the low end.
Cary
NC
$11,500
avg tuition/year
Providence
RI
$22,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Cary | Providence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,500/yr | $22,000/yr | -$10,500 |
| Religious Schools | $8,100/yr | $12,400/yr | -$4,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $24,100/yr | $36,000/yr | -$11,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,800/yr | $18,000/yr | -$8,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,500/yr | $22,000/yr | -$10,500 |
| High School (9-12) | $13,800/yr | $27,500/yr | -$13,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Cary
$149,500
Providence
$286,000
Choosing Cary saves $136,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $273,000.
Sample Schools
Cary
Cary Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $25,800/yr
Thales Academy (Cary)
Independent · K–12 · $7,200-$9,400/yr
Providence
Moses Brown School
Independent (Quaker) · PK–12 · $40,800-$43,200/yr
Wheeler School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,200-$40,800/yr
Providence Country Day School
Independent · 6–12 · $34,800/yr
La Salle Academy (Providence)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/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.