Private School Cost: Madison vs Sterling Heights
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $9,300/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Madison
WI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Sterling Heights
MI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Madison | Sterling Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,300/yr | $9,300/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $6,300/yr | $6,400/yr | -$100 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,100/yr | $19,800/yr | +$1,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,900/yr | $7,900/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,300/yr | $9,300/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $11,200/yr | $11,200/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Madison
$120,900
Sterling Heights
$120,900
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
Sterling Heights
De La Salle Collegiate High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,800/yr
Utica Community Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/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.