Is private school cheaper in Lincoln or New York City?

Lincoln has lower average private school tuition at $7,200/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. That's $31,300/year less, or $406,900 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Lincoln over New York City?

Average tuition in Lincoln is $31,300/year less than New York City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $406,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,000/year in Lincoln, $17,500/year in New York City.

How do Lincoln and New York City private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Lincoln averages $7,200/year ($5,150 below average). New York City averages $38,500/year ($26,150 above average).

Private School Cost: Lincoln vs New York City

Lincoln averages $31,300/year less for private school (435% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $406,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Lincoln is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,200/year vs $38,500/year in New York City. Religious schools run $5,000/year on the low end.

Lincoln

$7,200

avg tuition/year

$5,150 below national avg

Lower cost

New York City

$38,500

avg tuition/year

$26,150 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Lincoln	New York City	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$7,200/yr	$38,500/yr	-$31,300
Religious Schools	$5,000/yr	$17,500/yr	-$12,500
Independent/Prep	$15,600/yr	$58,000/yr	-$42,400
Elementary (K-5)	$6,100/yr	$32,000/yr	-$25,900
Middle School (6-8)	$7,200/yr	$38,500/yr	-$31,300
High School (9-12)	$8,600/yr	$48,000/yr	-$39,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Lincoln

$93,600

New York City

$500,500

Choosing Lincoln saves $406,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $813,800.

Sample Schools

Lincoln

Lincoln Christian High School

Christian · K–12 · $9,600-$11,800/yr

Pius X High School (Lincoln)

Catholic · 9–12 · $8,800/yr

New York City

Dalton School

Independent · K–12 · $60,310/yr

Trinity School NYC

Independent · K–12 · $59,900/yr

Horace Mann School

Independent · K–12 · $59,200/yr

Regis High School

Catholic (tuition-free) · 9–12

Full Lincoln breakdown → Full New York City breakdown →

Nebraska private school costs New York 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.