Private School Cost: Indianapolis vs Little Rock
Little Rock averages $5,400/year less for private school (82% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $70,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Little Rock is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,600/year vs $12,000/year in Indianapolis. Religious schools run $5,000/year on the low end.
Indianapolis
IN
$12,000
avg tuition/year
Little Rock
AR
$6,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Indianapolis | Little Rock | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,000/yr | $6,600/yr | +$5,400 |
| Religious Schools | $7,800/yr | $5,000/yr | +$2,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $22,500/yr | $13,100/yr | +$9,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,800/yr | $5,600/yr | +$4,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,000/yr | $6,600/yr | +$5,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,800/yr | $7,900/yr | +$6,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Indianapolis
$156,000
Little Rock
$85,800
Choosing Little Rock saves $70,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $140,400.
Sample Schools
Indianapolis
Park Tudor School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,200-$26,800/yr
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Bishop Chatard High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr
Cathedral High School (Indianapolis)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Little Rock
Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
Independent · PK–12 · $11,800/yr
Mount St. Mary Academy
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr
Related Comparisons
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.