Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Fresno?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $10,500/year in Fresno. That's $3,600/year less, or $46,800 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Des Moines over Fresno?

Average tuition in Des Moines is $3,600/year less than Fresno. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $46,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $7,000/year in Fresno.

How do Des Moines and Fresno private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average). Fresno averages $10,500/year ($1,850 below average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Fresno

Des Moines averages $3,600/year less for private school (52% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $46,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $10,500/year in Fresno. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Fresno

$10,500

avg tuition/year

$1,850 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Fresno	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$10,500/yr	-$3,600
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$7,000/yr	-$2,200
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$19,500/yr	-$5,100
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$8,600/yr	-$2,700
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$10,500/yr	-$3,600
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$12,900/yr	-$4,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Fresno

$136,500

Choosing Des Moines saves $46,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $93,600.

Sample Schools

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr

Fresno

Clovis Christian Schools

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$10,800/yr

Central High School (Fresno) (Catholic)

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr

Bullard Talent School

Magnet (Free) · K–8

Fresno Christian Schools

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$11,400/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Fresno breakdown →

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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.