Private School Cost: McAllen vs San Antonio
McAllen averages $1,800/year less for private school (19% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $23,400 per child.
Bottom Line
McAllen is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,400/year vs $11,200/year in San Antonio. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
McAllen
TX
$9,400
avg tuition/year
San Antonio
TX
$11,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | McAllen | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,400/yr | $11,200/yr | -$1,800 |
| Religious Schools | $6,400/yr | $7,600/yr | -$1,200 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,800/yr | $21,000/yr | -$1,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $8,000/yr | $9,200/yr | -$1,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,400/yr | $11,200/yr | -$1,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,300/yr | $13,800/yr | -$2,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
McAllen
$122,200
San Antonio
$145,600
Choosing McAllen saves $23,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $46,800.
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
San Antonio
Keystone School (San Antonio)
Independent · PK–12 · $21,200-$23,600/yr
Central Catholic High School (San Antonio)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
Providence Catholic School
Catholic · K–8 · $8,200-$9,800/yr
Antonian College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
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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.