Private School Cost: Charlotte vs Wilmington
Wilmington averages $3,500/year less for private school (35% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $45,500 per child.
Bottom Line
Wilmington is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,000/year vs $13,500/year in Charlotte. Religious schools run $7,100/year on the low end.
Charlotte
NC
$13,500
avg tuition/year
Wilmington
NC
$10,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Charlotte | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,500/yr | $10,000/yr | +$3,500 |
| Religious Schools | $8,400/yr | $7,100/yr | +$1,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $25,000/yr | $21,100/yr | +$3,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,000/yr | $8,500/yr | +$2,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,500/yr | $10,000/yr | +$3,500 |
| High School (9-12) | $16,700/yr | $12,000/yr | +$4,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Charlotte
$175,500
Wilmington
$130,000
Choosing Wilmington saves $45,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $91,000.
Sample Schools
Charlotte
Charlotte Latin School
Independent · K–12 · $26,800-$29,200/yr
Providence Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,800/yr
Myers Park Traditional School
Magnet (Free) · K–12
Charlotte Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Wilmington
Cape Fear Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $16,400/yr
Wilmington Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/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.