Private School Cost: Colorado Springs vs Waco
Waco averages $3,000/year less for private school (30% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $39,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Waco is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,100/year vs $13,100/year in Colorado Springs. Religious schools run $6,900/year on the low end.
Colorado Springs
CO
$13,100
avg tuition/year
Waco
TX
$10,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Colorado Springs | Waco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,100/yr | $10,100/yr | +$3,000 |
| Religious Schools | $8,500/yr | $6,900/yr | +$1,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $25,700/yr | $21,300/yr | +$4,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,100/yr | $8,600/yr | +$2,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,100/yr | $10,100/yr | +$3,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,700/yr | $12,100/yr | +$3,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Colorado Springs
$170,300
Waco
$131,300
Choosing Waco saves $39,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $78,000.
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
Waco
Vanguard College Preparatory
Christian · 6–12 · $12,400/yr
Reicher Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $10,200/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.