Private School Cost: Fayetteville vs Springfield
Fayetteville averages $4,500/year less for private school (68% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $58,500 per child.
Bottom Line
Fayetteville is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,600/year vs $11,100/year in Springfield. Religious schools run $5,000/year on the low end.
Fayetteville
AR
$6,600
avg tuition/year
Springfield
IL
$11,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Fayetteville | Springfield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $6,600/yr | $11,100/yr | -$4,500 |
| Religious Schools | $5,000/yr | $7,000/yr | -$2,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $13,100/yr | $25,700/yr | -$12,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $5,600/yr | $9,400/yr | -$3,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $6,600/yr | $11,100/yr | -$4,500 |
| High School (9-12) | $7,900/yr | $13,300/yr | -$5,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Fayetteville
$85,800
Springfield
$144,300
Choosing Fayetteville saves $58,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $117,000.
Sample Schools
Fayetteville
Fayetteville Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
Providence Academy (Fayetteville AR)
Christian · K–12 · $8,800-$10,800/yr
Springfield
Sacred Heart-Griffin High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,800/yr
Springfield Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $8,800-$10,600/yr
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.