Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Providence?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $22,000/year in Providence. That's $15,100/year less, or $196,300 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $15,100/year less than Providence. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $196,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $12,400/year in Providence.

How do Des Moines and Providence 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). Providence averages $22,000/year ($9,650 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Providence

Des Moines averages $15,100/year less for private school (219% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $196,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $22,000/year in Providence. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Providence

$22,000

avg tuition/year

$9,650 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Providence	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$22,000/yr	-$15,100
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$12,400/yr	-$7,600
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$36,000/yr	-$21,600
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$18,000/yr	-$12,100
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$22,000/yr	-$15,100
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$27,500/yr	-$19,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Providence

$286,000

Choosing Des Moines saves $196,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $392,600.

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

Providence

Moses Brown School

Independent (Quaker) · PK–12 · $40,800-$43,200/yr

Wheeler School

Independent · PK–12 · $38,200-$40,800/yr

Providence Country Day School

Independent · 6–12 · $34,800/yr

La Salle Academy (Providence)

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Providence 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.