Private School Cost: Madison vs Nashville
Madison averages $4,900/year less for private school (53% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $63,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Madison is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $14,200/year in Nashville. Religious schools run $6,300/year on the low end.
Madison
WI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Nashville
TN
$14,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Madison | Nashville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,300/yr | $14,200/yr | -$4,900 |
| Religious Schools | $6,300/yr | $8,800/yr | -$2,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,100/yr | $26,500/yr | -$5,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,900/yr | $11,600/yr | -$3,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,300/yr | $14,200/yr | -$4,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,200/yr | $17,500/yr | -$6,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Madison
$120,900
Nashville
$184,600
Choosing Madison saves $63,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $127,400.
Sample Schools
Madison
Edgewood Campus School
Catholic · PK–8 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr
Nashville
Montgomery Bell Academy
Independent · 7–12 · $29,400/yr
Harpeth Hall School
Independent · 5–12 · $28,800/yr
University School of Nashville
Independent · K–12 · $26,200/yr
Father Ryan High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr
Related Comparisons
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.