Private School Cost: Dayton vs Independence
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $8,100/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Dayton
OH
$8,100
avg tuition/year
Independence
MO
$8,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Dayton | Independence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,100/yr | $8,100/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $5,700/yr | $5,700/yr | Same |
| Independent/Prep | $18,700/yr | $18,900/yr | -$200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,900/yr | $6,900/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,100/yr | $8,100/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $9,700/yr | $9,700/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Dayton
$105,300
Independence
$105,300
Sample Schools
Dayton
Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,400/yr
Dayton Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr
Independence
Van Horn Academy (Independence MO)
Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
Truman Academy
Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/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.