Private School Cost: Elgin vs Indianapolis
Elgin averages $300/year less for private school (3% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $3,900 per child.
Bottom Line
Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $12,000/year in Indianapolis. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.
Elgin
IL
$11,700
avg tuition/year
Indianapolis
IN
$12,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Elgin | Indianapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,700/yr | $12,000/yr | -$300 |
| Religious Schools | $7,400/yr | $7,800/yr | -$400 |
| Independent/Prep | $27,100/yr | $22,500/yr | +$4,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,900/yr | $9,800/yr | +$100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,700/yr | $12,000/yr | -$300 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,000/yr | $14,800/yr | -$800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Elgin
$152,100
Indianapolis
$156,000
Choosing Elgin saves $3,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $7,800.
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
Indianapolis
Park Tudor School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,200-$26,800/yr
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Bishop Chatard High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr
Cathedral High School (Indianapolis)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
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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.