Private School Cost: Denver vs Elgin
Elgin averages $4,700/year less for private school (40% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $61,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.
Denver
CO
$16,400
avg tuition/year
Elgin
IL
$11,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Denver | Elgin | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $16,400/yr | $11,700/yr | +$4,700 |
| Religious Schools | $9,800/yr | $7,400/yr | +$2,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $27,100/yr | +$1,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $13,500/yr | $9,900/yr | +$3,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $16,400/yr | $11,700/yr | +$4,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $20,200/yr | $14,000/yr | +$6,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Denver
$213,200
Elgin
$152,100
Choosing Elgin saves $61,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $122,200.
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
Elgin
Timothy Christian Schools (Elgin)
Christian · K–12 · $11,200-$13,800/yr
St. Edward Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/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.