Is private school cheaper in Indianapolis or Seattle?

Indianapolis has lower average private school tuition at $12,000/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. That's $12,500/year less, or $162,500 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Indianapolis is $12,500/year less than Seattle. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $162,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,800/year in Indianapolis, $13,200/year in Seattle.

How do Indianapolis and Seattle 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). Seattle averages $24,500/year ($12,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Indianapolis vs Seattle

Indianapolis averages $12,500/year less for private school (104% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $162,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Indianapolis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,000/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $7,800/year on the low end.

Indianapolis

$12,000

avg tuition/year

$350 below national avg

Lower cost

Seattle

$24,500

avg tuition/year

$12,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Indianapolis	Seattle	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$12,000/yr	$24,500/yr	-$12,500
Religious Schools	$7,800/yr	$13,200/yr	-$5,400
Independent/Prep	$22,500/yr	$38,000/yr	-$15,500
Elementary (K-5)	$9,800/yr	$20,000/yr	-$10,200
Middle School (6-8)	$12,000/yr	$24,500/yr	-$12,500
High School (9-12)	$14,800/yr	$30,500/yr	-$15,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Indianapolis

$156,000

Seattle

$318,500

Choosing Indianapolis saves $162,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $325,000.

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

Seattle

University Prep

Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr

Northwest School

Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr

Seattle Prep

Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr

O'Dea High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr

Full Indianapolis breakdown → Full Seattle breakdown →

Indiana private school costs Washington private school costs

Related Comparisons

Chicago vs Indianapolis → Seattle vs Portland → Seattle vs Denver →

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.