Is private school cheaper in Elgin or Worcester?

Elgin has lower average private school tuition at $11,700/year vs $23,600/year in Worcester. That's $11,900/year less, or $154,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Elgin is $11,900/year less than Worcester. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $154,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,400/year in Elgin, $12,800/year in Worcester.

How do Elgin and Worcester 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). Worcester averages $23,600/year ($11,250 above average).

Private School Cost: Elgin vs Worcester

Elgin averages $11,900/year less for private school (102% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $154,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $23,600/year in Worcester. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.

Elgin

$11,700

avg tuition/year

$650 below national avg

Lower cost

Worcester

$23,600

avg tuition/year

$11,250 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Elgin	Worcester	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,700/yr	$23,600/yr	-$11,900
Religious Schools	$7,400/yr	$12,800/yr	-$5,400
Independent/Prep	$27,100/yr	$48,100/yr	-$21,000
Elementary (K-5)	$9,900/yr	$20,100/yr	-$10,200
Middle School (6-8)	$11,700/yr	$23,600/yr	-$11,900
High School (9-12)	$14,000/yr	$28,300/yr	-$14,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Elgin

$152,100

Worcester

$306,800

Choosing Elgin saves $154,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $309,400.

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

Worcester

Holy Name Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr

Worcester Academy

Independent · 9–12 · $36,400/yr

Full Elgin breakdown → Full Worcester breakdown →

Illinois private school costs Massachusetts 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.