Is private school cheaper in Independence or Lowell?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $23,600/year in Lowell. That's $15,500/year less, or $201,500 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $15,500/year less than Lowell. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $201,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $12,800/year in Lowell.

How do Independence and Lowell 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). Lowell averages $23,600/year ($11,250 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Lowell

Independence averages $15,500/year less for private school (191% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $201,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $23,600/year in Lowell. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Lowell

$23,600

avg tuition/year

$11,250 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Lowell	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$23,600/yr	-$15,500
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$12,800/yr	-$7,100
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$48,100/yr	-$29,200
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$20,100/yr	-$13,200
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$23,600/yr	-$15,500
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$28,300/yr	-$18,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Lowell

$306,800

Choosing Independence saves $201,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $403,000.

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

Lowell

Lowell Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

St. Michael Academy (Lowell)

Catholic · K–8 · $10,800-$12,800/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Lowell breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Massachusetts 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.