Private School Cost: Columbia vs Olathe
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $8,200/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Columbia
SC
$8,200
avg tuition/year
Olathe
KS
$8,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Columbia | Olathe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,200/yr | $8,200/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $6,000/yr | $5,800/yr | +$200 |
| Independent/Prep | $17,000/yr | $17,000/yr | Same |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,000/yr | $7,000/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,200/yr | $8,200/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $9,800/yr | $9,800/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Columbia
$106,600
Olathe
$106,600
Sample Schools
Columbia
Hammond School (Columbia SC)
Independent · PK–12 · $16,400/yr
Cardinal Newman School (Columbia SC)
Catholic · PK–12 · $11,200/yr
Olathe
Olathe Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr
St. Paul's Episcopal Day School (Olathe)
Episcopal · K–8 · $8,800-$10,800/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.