Private School Cost: Indianapolis vs Pasadena
Pasadena averages $800/year less for private school (7% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $10,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Pasadena is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,200/year vs $12,000/year in Indianapolis. Religious schools run $7,600/year on the low end.
Indianapolis
IN
$12,000
avg tuition/year
Pasadena
TX
$11,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Indianapolis | Pasadena | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,000/yr | $11,200/yr | +$800 |
| Religious Schools | $7,800/yr | $7,600/yr | +$200 |
| Independent/Prep | $22,500/yr | $23,700/yr | -$1,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,800/yr | $9,500/yr | +$300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,000/yr | $11,200/yr | +$800 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,800/yr | $13,400/yr | +$1,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Indianapolis
$156,000
Pasadena
$145,600
Choosing Pasadena saves $10,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $20,800.
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
Pasadena
San Jacinto Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,200/yr
Blessed Sacrament School (Pasadena)
Catholic · K–8 · $7,800-$9,400/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.