Is private school cheaper in Fargo or South Bend?

Fargo has lower average private school tuition at $6,500/year vs $7,400/year in South Bend. That's $900/year less, or $11,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Fargo is $900/year less than South Bend. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $11,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,600/year in Fargo, $5,500/year in South Bend.

How do Fargo and South Bend 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). South Bend averages $7,400/year ($4,950 below average).

Private School Cost: Fargo vs South Bend

Fargo averages $900/year less for private school (14% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $11,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Fargo is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,500/year vs $7,400/year in South Bend. Religious schools run $4,600/year on the low end.

Fargo

$6,500

avg tuition/year

$5,850 below national avg

Lower cost

South Bend

$7,400

avg tuition/year

$4,950 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Fargo	South Bend	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,500/yr	$7,400/yr	-$900
Religious Schools	$4,600/yr	$5,500/yr	-$900
Independent/Prep	$12,800/yr	$15,400/yr	-$2,600
Elementary (K-5)	$5,500/yr	$6,300/yr	-$800
Middle School (6-8)	$6,500/yr	$7,400/yr	-$900
High School (9-12)	$7,800/yr	$8,900/yr	-$1,100

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Fargo

$84,500

South Bend

$96,200

Choosing Fargo saves $11,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $23,400.

Sample Schools

Fargo

Shanley High School (Fargo)

Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr

Prairie Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,800/yr

South Bend

Saint Joseph High School (South Bend)

Catholic · 9–12 · $9,600/yr

South Bend STEM Academy

Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Fargo breakdown → Full South Bend breakdown →

North Dakota private school costs Indiana 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.