Private School Cost: Grand Rapids vs Raleigh
Grand Rapids averages $3,700/year less for private school (40% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $48,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Grand Rapids is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $13,000/year in Raleigh. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
Grand Rapids
MI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Raleigh
NC
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Grand Rapids | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,300/yr | $13,000/yr | -$3,700 |
| Religious Schools | $6,400/yr | $8,200/yr | -$1,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,800/yr | $24,500/yr | -$4,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,900/yr | $10,600/yr | -$2,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,300/yr | $13,000/yr | -$3,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,200/yr | $16,000/yr | -$4,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Grand Rapids
$120,900
Raleigh
$169,000
Choosing Grand Rapids saves $48,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $96,200.
Sample Schools
Grand Rapids
West Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,400/yr
Christian High School (Grand Rapids)
Christian · 9–12 · $11,200/yr
Northpointe Christian Schools
Christian · PK–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
Raleigh
Ravenscroft School
Independent · PK–12 · $26,800-$29,200/yr
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr
Cary Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr
Raleigh Charter High School
Charter (Free) · 9–12
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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.