Private School Cost: McAllen vs Mesa
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $9,400/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
McAllen
TX
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Mesa
AZ
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | McAllen | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,400/yr | $9,400/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $6,400/yr | $7,000/yr | -$600 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,800/yr | $18,000/yr | +$1,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,000/yr | $8,000/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,400/yr | $9,400/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $11,300/yr | $11,300/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
McAllen
$122,200
Mesa
$122,200
Sample Schools
McAllen
McAllen Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $8,200-$10,200/yr
St. Joseph Academy (McAllen)
Catholic · K–12 · $7,400-$9,200/yr
Mesa
Gilbert Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,400/yr
Mesa Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,600-$10,800/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.