Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or High Point?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $9,200/year in High Point. That's $2,300/year less, or $29,900 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $2,300/year less than High Point. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $29,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $6,500/year in High Point.

How do Des Moines and High Point 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). High Point averages $9,200/year ($3,150 below average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs High Point

Des Moines averages $2,300/year less for private school (33% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $29,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $9,200/year in High Point. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

High Point

$9,200

avg tuition/year

$3,150 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	High Point	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$9,200/yr	-$2,300
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$6,500/yr	-$1,700
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$19,400/yr	-$5,000
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$7,800/yr	-$1,900
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$9,200/yr	-$2,300
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$11,000/yr	-$2,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

High Point

$119,600

Choosing Des Moines saves $29,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $59,800.

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

High Point

Wesleyan Christian Academy (HP)

Christian · K–12 · $10,200-$12,800/yr

Greensboro Day School

Independent · PK–12 · $24,400/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full High Point breakdown →

Iowa private school costs North Carolina private school costs

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.