Private School Cost: McAllen vs Plano
McAllen averages $3,400/year less for private school (36% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $44,200 per child.
Bottom Line
McAllen is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $12,800/year in Plano. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
McAllen
TX
$9,400
avg tuition/year
Plano
TX
$12,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | McAllen | Plano | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,400/yr | $12,800/yr | -$3,400 |
| Religious Schools | $6,400/yr | $8,700/yr | -$2,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,800/yr | $27,100/yr | -$7,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,000/yr | $10,900/yr | -$2,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,400/yr | $12,800/yr | -$3,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,300/yr | $15,400/yr | -$4,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
McAllen
$122,200
Plano
$166,400
Choosing McAllen saves $44,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $88,400.
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
Plano
Prestonwood Christian Academy
Christian · PK–12 · $18,200/yr
Parish Episcopal School (Plano)
Independent · PK–12 · $24,800/yr
St. Mark the Evangelist School
Catholic · K–8 · $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.