Is private school cheaper in Independence or Raleigh?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $13,000/year in Raleigh. That's $4,900/year less, or $63,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $4,900/year less than Raleigh. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $63,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $8,200/year in Raleigh.

How do Independence and Raleigh 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). Raleigh averages $13,000/year ($650 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Raleigh

Independence averages $4,900/year less for private school (60% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $63,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $13,000/year in Raleigh. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Raleigh

$13,000

avg tuition/year

$650 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Raleigh	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$13,000/yr	-$4,900
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$8,200/yr	-$2,500
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$24,500/yr	-$5,600
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$10,600/yr	-$3,700
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$13,000/yr	-$4,900
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$16,000/yr	-$6,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Raleigh

$169,000

Choosing Independence saves $63,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $127,400.

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

Raleigh

Ravenscroft School

Independent · PK–12 · $26,800-$29,200/yr

Cardinal Gibbons High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr

Cary Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr

Raleigh Charter High School

Charter (Free) · 9–12

Full Independence breakdown → Full Raleigh breakdown →

Missouri private school costs North Carolina 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.