Is private school cheaper in Indianapolis or New Orleans?

New Orleans has lower average private school tuition at $11,800/year vs $12,000/year in Indianapolis. That's $200/year less, or $2,600 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing New Orleans over Indianapolis?

Average tuition in New Orleans is $200/year less than Indianapolis. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $2,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,800/year in Indianapolis, $7,600/year in New Orleans.

How do Indianapolis and New Orleans private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Indianapolis averages $12,000/year ($350 below average). New Orleans averages $11,800/year ($550 below average).

Private School Cost: Indianapolis vs New Orleans

New Orleans averages $200/year less for private school (2% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $2,600 per child.

Bottom Line

New Orleans is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,800/year vs $12,000/year in Indianapolis. Religious schools run $7,600/year on the low end.

Indianapolis

$12,000

avg tuition/year

$350 below national avg

New Orleans

$11,800

avg tuition/year

$550 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Indianapolis	New Orleans	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$12,000/yr	$11,800/yr	+$200
Religious Schools	$7,800/yr	$7,600/yr	+$200
Independent/Prep	$22,500/yr	$22,000/yr	+$500
Elementary (K-5)	$9,800/yr	$9,600/yr	+$200
Middle School (6-8)	$12,000/yr	$11,800/yr	+$200
High School (9-12)	$14,800/yr	$14,600/yr	+$200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Indianapolis

$156,000

New Orleans

$153,400

Choosing New Orleans saves $2,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $5,200.

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

New Orleans

Tulane-affiliated University Schools

Independent · PK–12 · $21,400-$23,800/yr

Jesuit High School New Orleans

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,400/yr

Ursuline Academy (New Orleans)

Catholic · 6–12 · $13,200/yr

Brother Martin High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr

Full Indianapolis breakdown → Full New Orleans breakdown →

Indiana private school costs Louisiana private school costs

Related Comparisons

Chicago vs Indianapolis →

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.