Private School Cost: Indianapolis vs Sunnyvale
Indianapolis averages $9,600/year less for private school (80% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $124,800 per child.
Bottom Line
Indianapolis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,000/year vs $21,600/year in Sunnyvale. Religious schools run $7,800/year on the low end.
Indianapolis
IN
$12,000
avg tuition/year
Sunnyvale
CA
$21,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Indianapolis | Sunnyvale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,000/yr | $21,600/yr | -$9,600 |
| Religious Schools | $7,800/yr | $14,100/yr | -$6,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $22,500/yr | $42,100/yr | -$19,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,800/yr | $18,400/yr | -$8,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,000/yr | $21,600/yr | -$9,600 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,800/yr | $25,900/yr | -$11,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Indianapolis
$156,000
Sunnyvale
$280,800
Choosing Indianapolis saves $124,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $249,600.
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
Sunnyvale
Archbishop Mitty High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $26,800/yr
Stratford School (Sunnyvale)
Independent · PK–8 · $24,200-$27,600/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.