Private School Cost: Lowell vs Tacoma
Tacoma averages $9,900/year less for private school (72% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $128,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Tacoma is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,700/year vs $23,600/year in Lowell. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.
Lowell
MA
$23,600
avg tuition/year
Tacoma
WA
$13,700
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lowell | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $23,600/yr | $13,700/yr | +$9,900 |
| Religious Schools | $12,800/yr | $9,400/yr | +$3,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $48,100/yr | $29,400/yr | +$18,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $20,100/yr | $11,600/yr | +$8,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $23,600/yr | $13,700/yr | +$9,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $28,300/yr | $16,400/yr | +$11,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lowell
$306,800
Tacoma
$178,100
Choosing Tacoma saves $128,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $257,400.
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
Tacoma
Charles Wright Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Bellarmine Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/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.