Private School Cost: Lansing vs Sterling Heights
Lansing averages $800/year less for private school (9% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $10,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Lansing is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,500/year vs $9,300/year in Sterling Heights. Religious schools run $5,900/year on the low end.
Lansing
MI
$8,500
avg tuition/year
Sterling Heights
MI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lansing | Sterling Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,500/yr | $9,300/yr | -$800 |
| Religious Schools | $5,900/yr | $6,400/yr | -$500 |
| Independent/Prep | $18,200/yr | $19,800/yr | -$1,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,200/yr | $7,900/yr | -$700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,500/yr | $9,300/yr | -$800 |
| High School (9-12) | $10,200/yr | $11,200/yr | -$1,000 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lansing
$110,500
Sterling Heights
$120,900
Choosing Lansing saves $10,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $20,800.
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
Sterling Heights
De La Salle Collegiate High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,800/yr
Utica Community Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/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.