Is private school cheaper in Denver or Des Moines?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. That's $9,500/year less, or $123,500 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Des Moines over Denver?

Average tuition in Des Moines is $9,500/year less than Denver. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $123,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,800/year in Denver, $4,800/year in Des Moines.

How do Denver and Des Moines private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Denver averages $16,400/year ($4,050 above average). Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Denver vs Des Moines

Des Moines averages $9,500/year less for private school (138% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $123,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Denver

$16,400

avg tuition/year

$4,050 above national avg

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Denver	Des Moines	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$16,400/yr	$6,900/yr	+$9,500
Religious Schools	$9,800/yr	$4,800/yr	+$5,000
Independent/Prep	$28,500/yr	$14,400/yr	+$14,100
Elementary (K-5)	$13,500/yr	$5,900/yr	+$7,600
Middle School (6-8)	$16,400/yr	$6,900/yr	+$9,500
High School (9-12)	$20,200/yr	$8,300/yr	+$11,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Denver

$213,200

Des Moines

$89,700

Choosing Des Moines saves $123,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $247,000.

Sample Schools

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

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr

Full Denver breakdown → Full Des Moines breakdown →

Colorado private school costs Iowa private school costs

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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.