Private School Cost: Detroit vs Lansing
Lansing averages $3,000/year less for private school (35% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $39,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Lansing is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,500/year vs $11,500/year in Detroit. Religious schools run $5,900/year on the low end.
Detroit
MI
$11,500
avg tuition/year
Lansing
MI
$8,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Detroit | Lansing | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,500/yr | $8,500/yr | +$3,000 |
| Religious Schools | $7,600/yr | $5,900/yr | +$1,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,500/yr | $18,200/yr | +$3,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,400/yr | $7,200/yr | +$2,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,500/yr | $8,500/yr | +$3,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,200/yr | $10,200/yr | +$4,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Detroit
$149,500
Lansing
$110,500
Choosing Lansing saves $39,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $78,000.
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
Lansing
Lansing Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr
Potter's House Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/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.