Is private school cheaper in Lakewood or Minneapolis?

Lakewood has lower average private school tuition at $13,400/year vs $15,000/year in Minneapolis. That's $1,600/year less, or $20,800 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Lakewood over Minneapolis?

Average tuition in Lakewood is $1,600/year less than Minneapolis. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $20,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,700/year in Lakewood, $9,200/year in Minneapolis.

How do Lakewood and Minneapolis private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Lakewood averages $13,400/year ($1,050 above average). Minneapolis averages $15,000/year ($2,650 above average).

Private School Cost: Lakewood vs Minneapolis

Lakewood averages $1,600/year less for private school (12% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $20,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Lakewood is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,400/year vs $15,000/year in Minneapolis. Religious schools run $8,700/year on the low end.

Lakewood

$13,400

avg tuition/year

$1,050 above national avg

Lower cost

Minneapolis

$15,000

avg tuition/year

$2,650 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Lakewood	Minneapolis	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$13,400/yr	$15,000/yr	-$1,600
Religious Schools	$8,700/yr	$9,200/yr	-$500
Independent/Prep	$26,500/yr	$27,500/yr	-$1,000
Elementary (K-5)	$11,400/yr	$12,200/yr	-$800
Middle School (6-8)	$13,400/yr	$15,000/yr	-$1,600
High School (9-12)	$16,100/yr	$18,500/yr	-$2,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Lakewood

$174,200

Minneapolis

$195,000

Choosing Lakewood saves $20,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $41,600.

Sample Schools

Lakewood

Colorado Academy (Lakewood area)

Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr

Chatfield Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Minneapolis

Blake School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,800-$37,200/yr

Breck School

Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr

Minnehaha Academy

Christian · PK–12 · $16,200-$17,800/yr

De La Salle High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/yr

Full Lakewood breakdown → Full Minneapolis breakdown →

Colorado private school costs Minnesota private school costs

Related Comparisons

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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.