Private School Cost: Cincinnati vs Meridian
Meridian averages $4,000/year less for private school (51% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $52,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Meridian is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,800/year vs $11,800/year in Cincinnati. Religious schools run $5,300/year on the low end.
Cincinnati
OH
$11,800
avg tuition/year
Meridian
ID
$7,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Cincinnati | Meridian | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,800/yr | $7,800/yr | +$4,000 |
| Religious Schools | $7,600/yr | $5,300/yr | +$2,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $22,000/yr | $15,100/yr | +$6,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,600/yr | $6,600/yr | +$3,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,800/yr | $7,800/yr | +$4,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,600/yr | $9,400/yr | +$5,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Cincinnati
$153,400
Meridian
$101,400
Choosing Meridian saves $52,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $104,000.
Sample Schools
Cincinnati
Cincinnati Country Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,400-$26,800/yr
Seven Hills School
Independent · PK–12 · $22,800-$25,200/yr
Moeller High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
Elder High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
Meridian
Nampa Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
Victory Charter School (Meridian)
Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr
Related Comparisons
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.