Private School Cost: Madison vs Omaha
Omaha averages $2,000/year less for private school (27% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $26,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Omaha is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,300/year vs $9,300/year in Madison. Religious schools run $5,100/year on the low end.
Madison
WI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Omaha
NE
$7,300
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Madison | Omaha | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,300/yr | $7,300/yr | +$2,000 |
| Religious Schools | $6,300/yr | $5,100/yr | +$1,200 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,100/yr | $15,900/yr | +$5,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,900/yr | $6,200/yr | +$1,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,300/yr | $7,300/yr | +$2,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,200/yr | $8,800/yr | +$2,400 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Madison
$120,900
Omaha
$94,900
Choosing Omaha saves $26,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $52,000.
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
Omaha
Creighton Preparatory School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
Westside Community Schools (Private Prep)
Independent · K–12 · $11,800/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.