Is private school cheaper in Independence or McKinney?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $12,600/year in McKinney. That's $4,500/year less, or $58,500 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $4,500/year less than McKinney. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $58,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $8,600/year in McKinney.

How do Independence and McKinney 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). McKinney averages $12,600/year ($250 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs McKinney

Independence averages $4,500/year less for private school (56% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $58,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $12,600/year in McKinney. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

McKinney

$12,600

avg tuition/year

$250 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	McKinney	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$12,600/yr	-$4,500
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$8,600/yr	-$2,900
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$26,600/yr	-$7,700
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$10,700/yr	-$3,800
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$12,600/yr	-$4,500
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$15,100/yr	-$5,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

McKinney

$163,800

Choosing Independence saves $58,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $117,000.

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

McKinney

Calvary Christian Academy (McKinney)

Christian · PK–12 · $10,200-$12,800/yr

McKinney Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full McKinney breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Texas 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.