Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Jacksonville?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $11,500/year in Jacksonville. That's $4,600/year less, or $59,800 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $4,600/year less than Jacksonville. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $59,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $7,600/year in Jacksonville.

How do Des Moines and Jacksonville 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). Jacksonville averages $11,500/year ($850 below average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Jacksonville

Des Moines averages $4,600/year less for private school (67% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $59,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $11,500/year in Jacksonville. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Jacksonville

$11,500

avg tuition/year

$850 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Jacksonville	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$11,500/yr	-$4,600
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$7,600/yr	-$2,800
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$21,500/yr	-$7,100
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$9,400/yr	-$3,500
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$11,500/yr	-$4,600
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$14,200/yr	-$5,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Jacksonville

$149,500

Choosing Des Moines saves $59,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $119,600.

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

Jacksonville

Bolles School

Independent · PK–12 · $24,400-$26,800/yr

Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Independent · PK–12 · $21,800-$23,400/yr

Bishop Kenny High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr

Ponte Vedra High School (Public)

Public (Reference) · 9–12

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Jacksonville breakdown →

Iowa private school costs Florida private school costs

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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.