Private School Cost: Erie vs Indianapolis
Erie averages $100/year less for private school (1% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $1,300 per child.
Bottom Line
Erie is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,900/year vs $12,000/year in Indianapolis. Religious schools run $7,700/year on the low end.
Erie
PA
$11,900
avg tuition/year
Indianapolis
IN
$12,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Erie | Indianapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,900/yr | $12,000/yr | -$100 |
| Religious Schools | $7,700/yr | $7,800/yr | -$100 |
| Independent/Prep | $27,700/yr | $22,500/yr | +$5,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,100/yr | $9,800/yr | +$300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,900/yr | $12,000/yr | -$100 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,300/yr | $14,800/yr | -$500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Erie
$154,700
Indianapolis
$156,000
Choosing Erie saves $1,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $2,600.
Sample Schools
Erie
Cathedral Preparatory School (Erie)
Catholic · 9–12 · $10,800/yr
Mercyhurst Preparatory School
Catholic · PK–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
Related Comparisons
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.