Private School Cost: Denver vs Memphis
Memphis averages $5,600/year less for private school (52% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $72,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Memphis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,800/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. Religious schools run $7,200/year on the low end.
Denver
CO
$16,400
avg tuition/year
Memphis
TN
$10,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Denver | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $16,400/yr | $10,800/yr | +$5,600 |
| Religious Schools | $9,800/yr | $7,200/yr | +$2,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $20,500/yr | +$8,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $13,500/yr | $8,800/yr | +$4,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $16,400/yr | $10,800/yr | +$5,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $20,200/yr | $13,400/yr | +$6,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Denver
$213,200
Memphis
$140,400
Choosing Memphis saves $72,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $145,600.
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
Memphis
Hutchison School
Independent · PK–12 · $20,800-$22,400/yr
Memphis University School
Independent · 7–12 · $18,400/yr
Christian Brothers High School (Memphis)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
St. Agnes Academy (Memphis)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,200/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.