Is private school cheaper in Independence or Salt Lake City?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $9,400/year in Salt Lake City. That's $1,300/year less, or $16,900 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Independence over Salt Lake City?

Average tuition in Independence is $1,300/year less than Salt Lake City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $16,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $6,500/year in Salt Lake City.

How do Independence and Salt Lake City 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). Salt Lake City averages $9,400/year ($2,950 below average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Salt Lake City

Independence averages $1,300/year less for private school (16% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $16,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $9,400/year in Salt Lake City. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Salt Lake City

$9,400

avg tuition/year

$2,950 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Salt Lake City	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$9,400/yr	-$1,300
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$6,500/yr	-$800
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$18,700/yr	+$200
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$8,000/yr	-$1,100
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$9,400/yr	-$1,300
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$11,300/yr	-$1,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Salt Lake City

$122,200

Choosing Independence saves $16,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $33,800.

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

Salt Lake City

Judge Memorial Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Utah Private Academy

Independent · K–12 · $9,800-$12,400/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Salt Lake City breakdown →

Missouri private school costs Utah 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.