Private School Cost: Fayetteville vs Topeka
Topeka averages $2,100/year less for private school (30% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $27,300 per child.
Bottom Line
Topeka is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $9,000/year in Fayetteville. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.
Fayetteville
NC
$9,000
avg tuition/year
Topeka
KS
$6,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Fayetteville | Topeka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,000/yr | $6,900/yr | +$2,100 |
| Religious Schools | $6,300/yr | $4,800/yr | +$1,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $18,900/yr | $14,300/yr | +$4,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,700/yr | $5,900/yr | +$1,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,000/yr | $6,900/yr | +$2,100 |
| High School (9-12) | $10,800/yr | $8,300/yr | +$2,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Fayetteville
$117,000
Topeka
$89,700
Choosing Topeka saves $27,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $54,600.
Sample Schools
Fayetteville
Cape Fear Academy (Wilmington)
Independent · PK–12 · $16,400/yr
Fayetteville Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr
Topeka
Topeka Collegiate School
Independent · K–8 · $12,400/yr
Hayden Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,400/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.