Is private school cheaper in Elgin or Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids has lower average private school tuition at $9,300/year vs $11,700/year in Elgin. That's $2,400/year less, or $31,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Grand Rapids over Elgin?

Average tuition in Grand Rapids is $2,400/year less than Elgin. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $31,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,400/year in Elgin, $6,400/year in Grand Rapids.

How do Elgin and Grand Rapids private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Elgin averages $11,700/year ($650 below average). Grand Rapids averages $9,300/year ($3,050 below average).

Private School Cost: Elgin vs Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids averages $2,400/year less for private school (26% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $31,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Grand Rapids is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $11,700/year in Elgin. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.

Elgin

$11,700

avg tuition/year

$650 below national avg

Grand Rapids

$9,300

avg tuition/year

$3,050 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Elgin	Grand Rapids	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,700/yr	$9,300/yr	+$2,400
Religious Schools	$7,400/yr	$6,400/yr	+$1,000
Independent/Prep	$27,100/yr	$19,800/yr	+$7,300
Elementary (K-5)	$9,900/yr	$7,900/yr	+$2,000
Middle School (6-8)	$11,700/yr	$9,300/yr	+$2,400
High School (9-12)	$14,000/yr	$11,200/yr	+$2,800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Elgin

$152,100

Grand Rapids

$120,900

Choosing Grand Rapids saves $31,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $62,400.

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

Grand Rapids

West Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,400/yr

Christian High School (Grand Rapids)

Christian · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Northpointe Christian Schools

Christian · PK–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr

Full Elgin breakdown → Full Grand Rapids breakdown →

Illinois private school costs Michigan 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.