Private School Cost: Detroit vs Lakewood
Detroit averages $1,900/year less for private school (17% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $24,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Detroit is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,500/year vs $13,400/year in Lakewood. Religious schools run $7,600/year on the low end.
Detroit
MI
$11,500
avg tuition/year
Lakewood
CO
$13,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Detroit | Lakewood | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,500/yr | $13,400/yr | -$1,900 |
| Religious Schools | $7,600/yr | $8,700/yr | -$1,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,500/yr | $26,500/yr | -$5,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,400/yr | $11,400/yr | -$2,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,500/yr | $13,400/yr | -$1,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,200/yr | $16,100/yr | -$1,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Detroit
$149,500
Lakewood
$174,200
Choosing Detroit saves $24,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $49,400.
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
Lakewood
Colorado Academy (Lakewood area)
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr
Chatfield Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr
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.