Is private school cheaper in Madison or Topeka?

Topeka has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $9,300/year in Madison. That's $2,400/year less, or $31,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Topeka over Madison?

Average tuition in Topeka is $2,400/year less than Madison. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $31,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $6,300/year in Madison, $4,800/year in Topeka.

How do Madison and Topeka private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Madison averages $9,300/year ($3,050 below average). Topeka averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Madison vs Topeka

Topeka averages $2,400/year less for private school (35% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $31,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Topeka is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $9,300/year in Madison. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Madison

$9,300

avg tuition/year

$3,050 below national avg

Topeka

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Madison	Topeka	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$9,300/yr	$6,900/yr	+$2,400
Religious Schools	$6,300/yr	$4,800/yr	+$1,500
Independent/Prep	$21,100/yr	$14,300/yr	+$6,800
Elementary (K-5)	$7,900/yr	$5,900/yr	+$2,000
Middle School (6-8)	$9,300/yr	$6,900/yr	+$2,400
High School (9-12)	$11,200/yr	$8,300/yr	+$2,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Madison

$120,900

Topeka

$89,700

Choosing Topeka saves $31,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $62,400.

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

Topeka

Topeka Collegiate School

Independent · K–8 · $12,400/yr

Hayden Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $9,400/yr

Full Madison breakdown → Full Topeka breakdown →

Wisconsin private school costs Kansas private school costs

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.