Private School Cost: Denver vs Minneapolis
Minneapolis averages $1,400/year less for private school (9% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $18,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Minneapolis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $15,000/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. Religious schools run $9,200/year on the low end.
Denver
CO
$16,400
avg tuition/year
Minneapolis
MN
$15,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Denver | Minneapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $16,400/yr | $15,000/yr | +$1,400 |
| Religious Schools | $9,800/yr | $9,200/yr | +$600 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $27,500/yr | +$1,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $13,500/yr | $12,200/yr | +$1,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $16,400/yr | $15,000/yr | +$1,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $20,200/yr | $18,500/yr | +$1,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Denver
$213,200
Minneapolis
$195,000
Choosing Minneapolis saves $18,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $36,400.
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
Minneapolis
Blake School
Independent · PK–12 · $34,800-$37,200/yr
Breck School
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Minnehaha Academy
Christian · PK–12 · $16,200-$17,800/yr
De La Salle High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/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.