Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Rockford?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $10,900/year in Rockford. That's $4,000/year less, or $52,000 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $4,000/year less than Rockford. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $52,000 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $6,900/year in Rockford.

How do Des Moines and Rockford 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). Rockford averages $10,900/year ($1,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Rockford

Des Moines averages $4,000/year less for private school (58% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $52,000 per child.

Bottom Line

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

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Rockford

$10,900

avg tuition/year

$1,450 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Rockford	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$10,900/yr	-$4,000
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$6,900/yr	-$2,100
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$25,100/yr	-$10,700
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$9,300/yr	-$3,400
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$10,900/yr	-$4,000
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$13,100/yr	-$4,800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Rockford

$141,700

Choosing Des Moines saves $52,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $104,000.

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

Rockford

Keith Country Day School

Independent · PK–12 · $11,200-$14,400/yr

Boylan Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,800/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Rockford breakdown →

Iowa private school costs Illinois 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.