Private School Cost: Colorado Springs vs Denver
Colorado Springs averages $3,300/year less for private school (25% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $42,900 per child.
Bottom Line
Colorado Springs is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,100/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. Religious schools run $8,500/year on the low end.
Colorado Springs
CO
$13,100
avg tuition/year
Denver
CO
$16,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Colorado Springs | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,100/yr | $16,400/yr | -$3,300 |
| Religious Schools | $8,500/yr | $9,800/yr | -$1,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $25,700/yr | $28,500/yr | -$2,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,100/yr | $13,500/yr | -$2,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,100/yr | $16,400/yr | -$3,300 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,700/yr | $20,200/yr | -$4,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Colorado Springs
$170,300
Denver
$213,200
Choosing Colorado Springs saves $42,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $85,800.
Sample Schools
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $11,200-$14,400/yr
Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 (Private Prep)
Independent · K–12 · $12,800/yr
Denver
Kent Denver School
Independent · 6–12 · $35,200-$37,800/yr
Colorado Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $33,800-$36,400/yr
Regis Jesuit High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,800/yr
Mullen High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/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.