Private School Cost: Chicago vs Greenville
Greenville averages $9,900/year less for private school (116% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $128,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Greenville is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,500/year vs $18,400/year in Chicago. Religious schools run $6,200/year on the low end.
Chicago
IL
$18,400
avg tuition/year
Greenville
SC
$8,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Chicago | Greenville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,400/yr | $8,500/yr | +$9,900 |
| Religious Schools | $10,200/yr | $6,200/yr | +$4,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $32,000/yr | $17,600/yr | +$14,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,000/yr | $7,200/yr | +$7,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,400/yr | $8,500/yr | +$9,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,800/yr | $10,200/yr | +$12,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Chicago
$239,200
Greenville
$110,500
Choosing Greenville saves $128,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $257,400.
Sample Schools
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Independent · JK–12 · $38,040/yr
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Independent · N–12 · $35,700-$38,200/yr
Francis W. Parker School
Independent · JK–12 · $36,800/yr
St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago)
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,400/yr
Greenville
Greenville Technical Charter High School (Private Prep)
Independent · 9–12 · $10,800/yr
Bob Jones Academy (Greenville)
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.