Private School Cost: Indianapolis vs Missoula
Missoula averages $4,000/year less for private school (50% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $52,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Missoula is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,000/year vs $12,000/year in Indianapolis. Religious schools run $5,400/year on the low end.
Indianapolis
IN
$12,000
avg tuition/year
Missoula
MT
$8,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Indianapolis | Missoula | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,000/yr | $8,000/yr | +$4,000 |
| Religious Schools | $7,800/yr | $5,400/yr | +$2,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $22,500/yr | $15,500/yr | +$7,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,800/yr | $6,800/yr | +$3,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,000/yr | $8,000/yr | +$4,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,800/yr | $9,600/yr | +$5,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Indianapolis
$156,000
Missoula
$104,000
Choosing Missoula saves $52,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $104,000.
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
Missoula
Loyola Sacred Heart High School (Missoula)
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Montana Academy (Missoula area)
Independent (Therapeutic) · 9–12 · $44,800-$52,000/yr
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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.