Private School Cost: Cincinnati vs Wilmington
Wilmington averages $1,800/year less for private school (18% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $23,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Wilmington is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,000/year vs $11,800/year in Cincinnati. Religious schools run $7,100/year on the low end.
Cincinnati
OH
$11,800
avg tuition/year
Wilmington
NC
$10,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Cincinnati | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,800/yr | $10,000/yr | +$1,800 |
| Religious Schools | $7,600/yr | $7,100/yr | +$500 |
| Independent/Prep | $22,000/yr | $21,100/yr | +$900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,600/yr | $8,500/yr | +$1,100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,800/yr | $10,000/yr | +$1,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,600/yr | $12,000/yr | +$2,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Cincinnati
$153,400
Wilmington
$130,000
Choosing Wilmington saves $23,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $46,800.
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
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.