Is private school cheaper in Lowell or New Orleans?

New Orleans has lower average private school tuition at $11,800/year vs $23,600/year in Lowell. That's $11,800/year less, or $153,400 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing New Orleans over Lowell?

Average tuition in New Orleans is $11,800/year less than Lowell. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $153,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $12,800/year in Lowell, $7,600/year in New Orleans.

How do Lowell and New Orleans private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Lowell averages $23,600/year ($11,250 above average). New Orleans averages $11,800/year ($550 below average).

Private School Cost: Lowell vs New Orleans

New Orleans averages $11,800/year less for private school (100% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $153,400 per child.

Bottom Line

New Orleans is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,800/year vs $23,600/year in Lowell. Religious schools run $7,600/year on the low end.

Lowell

$23,600

avg tuition/year

$11,250 above national avg

New Orleans

$11,800

avg tuition/year

$550 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Lowell	New Orleans	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$23,600/yr	$11,800/yr	+$11,800
Religious Schools	$12,800/yr	$7,600/yr	+$5,200
Independent/Prep	$48,100/yr	$22,000/yr	+$26,100
Elementary (K-5)	$20,100/yr	$9,600/yr	+$10,500
Middle School (6-8)	$23,600/yr	$11,800/yr	+$11,800
High School (9-12)	$28,300/yr	$14,600/yr	+$13,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Lowell

$306,800

New Orleans

$153,400

Choosing New Orleans saves $153,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $306,800.

Sample Schools

Lowell

Lowell Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

St. Michael Academy (Lowell)

Catholic · K–8 · $10,800-$12,800/yr

New Orleans

Tulane-affiliated University Schools

Independent · PK–12 · $21,400-$23,800/yr

Jesuit High School New Orleans

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,400/yr

Ursuline Academy (New Orleans)

Catholic · 6–12 · $13,200/yr

Brother Martin High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr

Full Lowell breakdown → Full New Orleans breakdown →

Massachusetts private school costs Louisiana private school costs

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.