Is private school cheaper in Independence or Philadelphia?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $20,200/year in Philadelphia. That's $12,100/year less, or $157,300 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $12,100/year less than Philadelphia. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $157,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $11,400/year in Philadelphia.

How do Independence and Philadelphia 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). Philadelphia averages $20,200/year ($7,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Philadelphia

Independence averages $12,100/year less for private school (149% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $157,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $20,200/year in Philadelphia. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Philadelphia

$20,200

avg tuition/year

$7,850 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Philadelphia	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$20,200/yr	-$12,100
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$11,400/yr	-$5,700
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$36,000/yr	-$17,100
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$16,500/yr	-$9,600
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$20,200/yr	-$12,100
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$25,000/yr	-$15,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Philadelphia

$262,600

Choosing Independence saves $157,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $314,600.

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

Philadelphia

Episcopal Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $40,800-$43,200/yr

The Haverford School

Independent · PK–12 · $41,200/yr

Germantown Friends School

Independent (Quaker) · K–12 · $38,600/yr

La Salle College High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Philadelphia breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Pennsylvania private school costs

Related Comparisons

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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.