Is private school cheaper in Denver or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has lower average private school tuition at $11,200/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. That's $5,200/year less, or $67,600 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Milwaukee is $5,200/year less than Denver. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $67,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,800/year in Denver, $7,400/year in Milwaukee.

How do Denver and Milwaukee 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). Milwaukee averages $11,200/year ($1,150 below average).

Private School Cost: Denver vs Milwaukee

Milwaukee averages $5,200/year less for private school (46% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $67,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Milwaukee is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,200/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.

Denver

$16,400

avg tuition/year

$4,050 above national avg

Milwaukee

$11,200

avg tuition/year

$1,150 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Denver	Milwaukee	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$16,400/yr	$11,200/yr	+$5,200
Religious Schools	$9,800/yr	$7,400/yr	+$2,400
Independent/Prep	$28,500/yr	$21,000/yr	+$7,500
Elementary (K-5)	$13,500/yr	$9,200/yr	+$4,300
Middle School (6-8)	$16,400/yr	$11,200/yr	+$5,200
High School (9-12)	$20,200/yr	$13,800/yr	+$6,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Denver

$213,200

Milwaukee

$145,600

Choosing Milwaukee saves $67,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $135,200.

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

Milwaukee

University School of Milwaukee

Independent · PK–12 · $22,800-$25,200/yr

Milwaukee University School

Independent · PK–12 · $21,400/yr

Marquette University High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Divine Savior Holy Angels High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr

Full Denver breakdown → Full Milwaukee breakdown →

Colorado private school costs Wisconsin private school costs

Related Comparisons

Chicago vs Milwaukee → Denver vs Phoenix → Seattle vs Denver → Denver vs Dallas →

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.