Private School Cost: Denver vs Rapid City
Rapid City averages $10,600/year less for private school (183% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $137,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Rapid City is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $5,800/year vs $16,400/year in Denver. Religious schools run $4,100/year on the low end.
Denver
CO
$16,400
avg tuition/year
Rapid City
SD
$5,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Denver | Rapid City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $16,400/yr | $5,800/yr | +$10,600 |
| Religious Schools | $9,800/yr | $4,100/yr | +$5,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $11,800/yr | +$16,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $13,500/yr | $4,900/yr | +$8,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $16,400/yr | $5,800/yr | +$10,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $20,200/yr | $7,000/yr | +$13,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Denver
$213,200
Rapid City
$75,400
Choosing Rapid City saves $137,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $275,600.
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
Rapid City
Rapid City Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $8,600-$10,800/yr
St. Thomas More High School (Rapid City)
Catholic · 9–12 · $8,400/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.