Private School Cost: Lincoln vs Salt Lake City
Lincoln averages $2,200/year less for private school (31% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $28,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Lincoln is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,200/year vs $9,400/year in Salt Lake City. Religious schools run $5,000/year on the low end.
Lincoln
NE
$7,200
avg tuition/year
Salt Lake City
UT
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lincoln | Salt Lake City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,200/yr | $9,400/yr | -$2,200 |
| Religious Schools | $5,000/yr | $6,500/yr | -$1,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,600/yr | $18,700/yr | -$3,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,100/yr | $8,000/yr | -$1,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,200/yr | $9,400/yr | -$2,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $8,600/yr | $11,300/yr | -$2,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lincoln
$93,600
Salt Lake City
$122,200
Choosing Lincoln saves $28,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $57,200.
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
Salt Lake City
Judge Memorial Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
Utah Private Academy
Independent · K–12 · $9,800-$12,400/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.