Private School Cost: High Point vs Rapid City
Rapid City averages $3,400/year less for private school (59% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $44,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Rapid City is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $5,800/year vs $9,200/year in High Point. Religious schools run $4,100/year on the low end.
High Point
NC
$9,200
avg tuition/year
Rapid City
SD
$5,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | High Point | Rapid City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,200/yr | $5,800/yr | +$3,400 |
| Religious Schools | $6,500/yr | $4,100/yr | +$2,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,400/yr | $11,800/yr | +$7,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,800/yr | $4,900/yr | +$2,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,200/yr | $5,800/yr | +$3,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,000/yr | $7,000/yr | +$4,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
High Point
$119,600
Rapid City
$75,400
Choosing Rapid City saves $44,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $88,400.
Sample Schools
High Point
Wesleyan Christian Academy (HP)
Christian · K–12 · $10,200-$12,800/yr
Greensboro Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,400/yr
Rapid City
Rapid City Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $8,600-$10,800/yr
St. Thomas More High School (Rapid City)
Catholic · 9–12 · $8,400/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.