Private School Cost: Columbus vs Denver
Columbus averages $3,900/year less for private school (31% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $50,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Columbus is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,500/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. Religious schools run $8,000/year on the low end.
Columbus
OH
$12,500
avg tuition/year
Denver
CO
$16,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Columbus | Denver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,500/yr | $16,400/yr | -$3,900 |
| Religious Schools | $8,000/yr | $9,800/yr | -$1,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $23,500/yr | $28,500/yr | -$5,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,200/yr | $13,500/yr | -$3,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,500/yr | $16,400/yr | -$3,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,500/yr | $20,200/yr | -$4,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Columbus
$162,500
Denver
$213,200
Choosing Columbus saves $50,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $101,400.
Sample Schools
Columbus
Columbus School for Girls
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr
Columbus Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $24,200-$26,800/yr
DeSales High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr
Watterson Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/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.