Is private school cheaper in Detroit or Independence?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $11,500/year in Detroit. That's $3,400/year less, or $44,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Independence over Detroit?

Average tuition in Independence is $3,400/year less than Detroit. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $44,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,600/year in Detroit, $5,700/year in Independence.

How do Detroit and Independence private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Detroit averages $11,500/year ($850 below average). Independence averages $8,100/year ($4,250 below average).

Private School Cost: Detroit vs Independence

Independence averages $3,400/year less for private school (42% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $44,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $11,500/year in Detroit. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Detroit

$11,500

avg tuition/year

$850 below national avg

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Detroit	Independence	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,500/yr	$8,100/yr	+$3,400
Religious Schools	$7,600/yr	$5,700/yr	+$1,900
Independent/Prep	$21,500/yr	$18,900/yr	+$2,600
Elementary (K-5)	$9,400/yr	$6,900/yr	+$2,500
Middle School (6-8)	$11,500/yr	$8,100/yr	+$3,400
High School (9-12)	$14,200/yr	$9,700/yr	+$4,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Detroit

$149,500

Independence

$105,300

Choosing Independence saves $44,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $88,400.

Sample Schools

Detroit

Cranbrook Kingswood School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,200-$36,800/yr

University of Detroit Jesuit High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr

Brother Rice High School (Detroit)

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr

Mercy High School (Farmington Hills)

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr

Independence

Van Horn Academy (Independence MO)

Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Truman Academy

Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr

Full Detroit breakdown → Full Independence breakdown →

Michigan private school costs Missouri 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.