Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Worcester?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $23,600/year in Worcester. That's $16,700/year less, or $217,100 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Des Moines is $16,700/year less than Worcester. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $217,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $12,800/year in Worcester.

How do Des Moines and Worcester 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). Worcester averages $23,600/year ($11,250 above average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Worcester

Des Moines averages $16,700/year less for private school (242% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $217,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $23,600/year in Worcester. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Worcester

$23,600

avg tuition/year

$11,250 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Worcester	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$23,600/yr	-$16,700
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$12,800/yr	-$8,000
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$48,100/yr	-$33,700
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$20,100/yr	-$14,200
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$23,600/yr	-$16,700
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$28,300/yr	-$20,000

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Worcester

$306,800

Choosing Des Moines saves $217,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $434,200.

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

Worcester

Holy Name Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr

Worcester Academy

Independent · 9–12 · $36,400/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Worcester 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.