Private School Cost: Irving vs Wilmington
Wilmington averages $2,000/year less for private school (20% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $26,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Wilmington is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,000/year vs $12,000/year in Irving. Religious schools run $7,100/year on the low end.
Irving
TX
$12,000
avg tuition/year
Wilmington
NC
$10,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Irving | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,000/yr | $10,000/yr | +$2,000 |
| Religious Schools | $8,200/yr | $7,100/yr | +$1,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $25,400/yr | $21,100/yr | +$4,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,200/yr | $8,500/yr | +$1,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,000/yr | $10,000/yr | +$2,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,400/yr | $12,000/yr | +$2,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Irving
$156,000
Wilmington
$130,000
Choosing Wilmington saves $26,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $52,000.
Sample Schools
Irving
Heritage Christian Academy (Irving)
Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,200/yr
Cistercian Preparatory School
Independent (Catholic) · 5–12 · $24,200/yr
Wilmington
Cape Fear Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $16,400/yr
Wilmington Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/yr
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.