Private School Cost: Cheyenne vs Fargo
Fargo averages $1,400/year less for private school (22% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $18,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Fargo is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,500/year vs $7,900/year in Cheyenne. Religious schools run $4,600/year on the low end.
Cheyenne
WY
$7,900
avg tuition/year
Fargo
ND
$6,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Cheyenne | Fargo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,900/yr | $6,500/yr | +$1,400 |
| Religious Schools | $5,500/yr | $4,600/yr | +$900 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,200/yr | $12,800/yr | +$2,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,700/yr | $5,500/yr | +$1,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,900/yr | $6,500/yr | +$1,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,500/yr | $7,800/yr | +$1,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Cheyenne
$102,700
Fargo
$84,500
Choosing Fargo saves $18,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $36,400.
Sample Schools
Cheyenne
Cheyenne Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr
Saint Mary Cathedral School (Cheyenne)
Catholic · K–8 · $7,600-$9,400/yr
Fargo
Shanley High School (Fargo)
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Prairie Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,800/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.