Is private school cheaper in Independence or Lincoln?

Lincoln has lower average private school tuition at $7,200/year vs $8,100/year in Independence. That's $900/year less, or $11,700 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Lincoln over Independence?

Average tuition in Lincoln is $900/year less than Independence. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $11,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $5,000/year in Lincoln.

How do Independence and Lincoln private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Independence averages $8,100/year ($4,250 below average). Lincoln averages $7,200/year ($5,150 below average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Lincoln

Lincoln averages $900/year less for private school (13% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $11,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Lincoln is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,200/year vs $8,100/year in Independence. Religious schools run $5,000/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lincoln

$7,200

avg tuition/year

$5,150 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Lincoln	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$7,200/yr	+$900
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$5,000/yr	+$700
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$15,600/yr	+$3,300
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$6,100/yr	+$800
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$7,200/yr	+$900
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$8,600/yr	+$1,100

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Lincoln

$93,600

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

Sample Schools

Independence

Van Horn Academy (Independence MO)

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

Truman Academy

Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr

Lincoln

Lincoln Christian High School

Christian · K–12 · $9,600-$11,800/yr

Pius X High School (Lincoln)

Catholic · 9–12 · $8,800/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Lincoln breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Nebraska 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.