Private School Cost: Elgin vs Fayetteville
Fayetteville averages $5,100/year less for private school (77% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $66,300 per child.
Bottom Line
Fayetteville is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,600/year vs $11,700/year in Elgin. Religious schools run $5,000/year on the low end.
Elgin
IL
$11,700
avg tuition/year
Fayetteville
AR
$6,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Elgin | Fayetteville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,700/yr | $6,600/yr | +$5,100 |
| Religious Schools | $7,400/yr | $5,000/yr | +$2,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $27,100/yr | $13,100/yr | +$14,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,900/yr | $5,600/yr | +$4,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,700/yr | $6,600/yr | +$5,100 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,000/yr | $7,900/yr | +$6,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Elgin
$152,100
Fayetteville
$85,800
Choosing Fayetteville saves $66,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $132,600.
Sample Schools
Elgin
Timothy Christian Schools (Elgin)
Christian · K–12 · $11,200-$13,800/yr
St. Edward Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
Fayetteville
Fayetteville Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
Providence Academy (Fayetteville AR)
Christian · K–12 · $8,800-$10,800/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.