Is private school cheaper in Independence or Little Rock?

Little Rock has lower average private school tuition at $6,600/year vs $8,100/year in Independence. That's $1,500/year less, or $19,500 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Little Rock is $1,500/year less than Independence. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $19,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $5,000/year in Little Rock.

How do Independence and Little Rock 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). Little Rock averages $6,600/year ($5,750 below average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Little Rock

Little Rock averages $1,500/year less for private school (23% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $19,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Little Rock is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,600/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

Little Rock

$6,600

avg tuition/year

$5,750 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Little Rock	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$6,600/yr	+$1,500
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$5,000/yr	+$700
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$13,100/yr	+$5,800
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$5,600/yr	+$1,300
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$6,600/yr	+$1,500
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$7,900/yr	+$1,800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Little Rock

$85,800

Choosing Little Rock saves $19,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $39,000.

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

Little Rock

Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)

Independent · PK–12 · $11,800/yr

Mount St. Mary Academy

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Little Rock breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Arkansas 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.