Private School Cost: Erie vs Seattle
Erie averages $12,600/year less for private school (106% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $163,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Erie is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,900/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $7,700/year on the low end.
Erie
PA
$11,900
avg tuition/year
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Erie | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,900/yr | $24,500/yr | -$12,600 |
| Religious Schools | $7,700/yr | $13,200/yr | -$5,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $27,700/yr | $38,000/yr | -$10,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,100/yr | $20,000/yr | -$9,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,900/yr | $24,500/yr | -$12,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,300/yr | $30,500/yr | -$16,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Erie
$154,700
Seattle
$318,500
Choosing Erie saves $163,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $327,600.
Sample Schools
Erie
Cathedral Preparatory School (Erie)
Catholic · 9–12 · $10,800/yr
Mercyhurst Preparatory School
Catholic · PK–12 · $12,400/yr
Seattle
University Prep
Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr
Northwest School
Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr
Seattle Prep
Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr
O'Dea High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/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.