Is private school cheaper in Fargo or Seattle?

Fargo has lower average private school tuition at $6,500/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. That's $18,000/year less, or $234,000 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Fargo over Seattle?

Average tuition in Fargo is $18,000/year less than Seattle. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $234,000 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,600/year in Fargo, $13,200/year in Seattle.

How do Fargo and Seattle private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Fargo averages $6,500/year ($5,850 below average). Seattle averages $24,500/year ($12,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Fargo vs Seattle

Fargo averages $18,000/year less for private school (277% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $234,000 per child.

Bottom Line

Fargo is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,500/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $4,600/year on the low end.

Fargo

$6,500

avg tuition/year

$5,850 below national avg

Lower cost

Seattle

$24,500

avg tuition/year

$12,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Fargo	Seattle	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,500/yr	$24,500/yr	-$18,000
Religious Schools	$4,600/yr	$13,200/yr	-$8,600
Independent/Prep	$12,800/yr	$38,000/yr	-$25,200
Elementary (K-5)	$5,500/yr	$20,000/yr	-$14,500
Middle School (6-8)	$6,500/yr	$24,500/yr	-$18,000
High School (9-12)	$7,800/yr	$30,500/yr	-$22,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Fargo

$84,500

Seattle

$318,500

Choosing Fargo saves $234,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $468,000.

Sample Schools

Fargo

Shanley High School (Fargo)

Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr

Prairie Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,800/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

Full Fargo breakdown → Full Seattle breakdown →

North Dakota private school costs Washington private school costs

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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.