Is private school cheaper in Independence or New Orleans?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $11,800/year in New Orleans. That's $3,700/year less, or $48,100 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $3,700/year less than New Orleans. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $48,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $7,600/year in New Orleans.

How do Independence and New Orleans 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). New Orleans averages $11,800/year ($550 below average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs New Orleans

Independence averages $3,700/year less for private school (46% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $48,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $11,800/year in New Orleans. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

New Orleans

$11,800

avg tuition/year

$550 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	New Orleans	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$11,800/yr	-$3,700
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$7,600/yr	-$1,900
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$22,000/yr	-$3,100
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$9,600/yr	-$2,700
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$11,800/yr	-$3,700
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$14,600/yr	-$4,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

New Orleans

$153,400

Choosing Independence saves $48,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $96,200.

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

New Orleans

Tulane-affiliated University Schools

Independent · PK–12 · $21,400-$23,800/yr

Jesuit High School New Orleans

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,400/yr

Ursuline Academy (New Orleans)

Catholic · 6–12 · $13,200/yr

Brother Martin High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full New Orleans breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Louisiana 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.