Private School Cost: Columbus vs Glendale
Glendale averages $3,100/year less for private school (33% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $40,300 per child.
Bottom Line
Glendale is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $12,500/year in Columbus. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.
Columbus
OH
$12,500
avg tuition/year
Glendale
AZ
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Columbus | Glendale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,500/yr | $9,400/yr | +$3,100 |
| Religious Schools | $8,000/yr | $7,000/yr | +$1,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $23,500/yr | $18,000/yr | +$5,500 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,200/yr | $8,000/yr | +$2,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,500/yr | $9,400/yr | +$3,100 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,500/yr | $11,300/yr | +$4,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Columbus
$162,500
Glendale
$122,200
Choosing Glendale saves $40,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $80,600.
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
Glendale
American Leadership Academy
Independent · K–12 · $7,200-$9,400/yr
Glendale Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,800-$10,800/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.