Is private school cheaper in Independence or Milwaukee?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $11,200/year in Milwaukee. That's $3,100/year less, or $40,300 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $3,100/year less than Milwaukee. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $40,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $7,400/year in Milwaukee.

How do Independence and Milwaukee 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). Milwaukee averages $11,200/year ($1,150 below average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Milwaukee

Independence averages $3,100/year less for private school (38% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $40,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $11,200/year in Milwaukee. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Milwaukee

$11,200

avg tuition/year

$1,150 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Milwaukee	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$11,200/yr	-$3,100
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$7,400/yr	-$1,700
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$21,000/yr	-$2,100
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$9,200/yr	-$2,300
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$11,200/yr	-$3,100
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$13,800/yr	-$4,100

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Milwaukee

$145,600

Choosing Independence saves $40,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $80,600.

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

Milwaukee

University School of Milwaukee

Independent · PK–12 · $22,800-$25,200/yr

Milwaukee University School

Independent · PK–12 · $21,400/yr

Marquette University High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Divine Savior Holy Angels High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Milwaukee breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Wisconsin private school costs

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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.