Is private school cheaper in Independence or Newark?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $19,300/year in Newark. That's $11,200/year less, or $145,600 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $11,200/year less than Newark. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $145,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $12,400/year in Newark.

How do Independence and Newark 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). Newark averages $19,300/year ($6,950 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Newark

Independence averages $11,200/year less for private school (138% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $145,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $19,300/year in Newark. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Newark

$19,300

avg tuition/year

$6,950 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Newark	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$19,300/yr	-$11,200
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$12,400/yr	-$6,700
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$41,200/yr	-$22,300
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$16,400/yr	-$9,500
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$19,300/yr	-$11,200
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$23,200/yr	-$13,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Newark

$250,900

Choosing Independence saves $145,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $291,200.

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

Newark

Seton Hall Preparatory School

Catholic · 9–12 · $22,400/yr

Newark Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $38,400/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Newark breakdown →

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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.