Private School Cost: Lowell vs Philadelphia
Philadelphia averages $3,400/year less for private school (17% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $44,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Philadelphia is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $20,200/year vs $23,600/year in Lowell. Religious schools run $11,400/year on the low end.
Lowell
MA
$23,600
avg tuition/year
Philadelphia
PA
$20,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lowell | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $23,600/yr | $20,200/yr | +$3,400 |
| Religious Schools | $12,800/yr | $11,400/yr | +$1,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $48,100/yr | $36,000/yr | +$12,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $20,100/yr | $16,500/yr | +$3,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $23,600/yr | $20,200/yr | +$3,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $28,300/yr | $25,000/yr | +$3,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lowell
$306,800
Philadelphia
$262,600
Choosing Philadelphia saves $44,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $88,400.
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
Philadelphia
Episcopal Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $40,800-$43,200/yr
The Haverford School
Independent · PK–12 · $41,200/yr
Germantown Friends School
Independent (Quaker) · K–12 · $38,600/yr
La Salle College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/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.