Private School Cost: Charleston vs McAllen
Charleston averages $3,000/year less for private school (47% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $39,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Charleston is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,400/year vs $9,400/year in McAllen. Religious schools run $4,600/year on the low end.
Charleston
WV
$6,400
avg tuition/year
McAllen
TX
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Charleston | McAllen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $6,400/yr | $9,400/yr | -$3,000 |
| Religious Schools | $4,600/yr | $6,400/yr | -$1,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $12,800/yr | $19,800/yr | -$7,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $5,400/yr | $8,000/yr | -$2,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $6,400/yr | $9,400/yr | -$3,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $7,700/yr | $11,300/yr | -$3,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Charleston
$83,200
McAllen
$122,200
Choosing Charleston saves $39,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $78,000.
Sample Schools
Charleston
Charleston Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Liberty Christian Academy (Charleston WV)
Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,800/yr
McAllen
McAllen Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $8,200-$10,200/yr
St. Joseph Academy (McAllen)
Catholic · K–12 · $7,400-$9,200/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.