Private School Cost: Lansing vs Seattle
Lansing averages $16,000/year less for private school (188% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $208,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Lansing is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,500/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $5,900/year on the low end.
Lansing
MI
$8,500
avg tuition/year
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lansing | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,500/yr | $24,500/yr | -$16,000 |
| Religious Schools | $5,900/yr | $13,200/yr | -$7,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $18,200/yr | $38,000/yr | -$19,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,200/yr | $20,000/yr | -$12,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,500/yr | $24,500/yr | -$16,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $10,200/yr | $30,500/yr | -$20,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lansing
$110,500
Seattle
$318,500
Choosing Lansing saves $208,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $416,000.
Sample Schools
Lansing
Lansing Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr
Potter's House Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/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
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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.