Is private school cheaper in McKinney or Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has lower average private school tuition at $12,200/year vs $12,600/year in McKinney. That's $400/year less, or $5,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Pittsburgh over McKinney?

Average tuition in Pittsburgh is $400/year less than McKinney. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $5,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,600/year in McKinney, $7,800/year in Pittsburgh.

How do McKinney and Pittsburgh private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. McKinney averages $12,600/year ($250 above average). Pittsburgh averages $12,200/year ($150 below average).

Private School Cost: McKinney vs Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh averages $400/year less for private school (3% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $5,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Pittsburgh is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,200/year vs $12,600/year in McKinney. Religious schools run $7,800/year on the low end.

McKinney

$12,600

avg tuition/year

$250 above national avg

Pittsburgh

$12,200

avg tuition/year

$150 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	McKinney	Pittsburgh	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$12,600/yr	$12,200/yr	+$400
Religious Schools	$8,600/yr	$7,800/yr	+$800
Independent/Prep	$26,600/yr	$22,800/yr	+$3,800
Elementary (K-5)	$10,700/yr	$10,000/yr	+$700
Middle School (6-8)	$12,600/yr	$12,200/yr	+$400
High School (9-12)	$15,100/yr	$15,000/yr	+$100

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

McKinney

$163,800

Pittsburgh

$158,600

Choosing Pittsburgh saves $5,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $10,400.

Sample Schools

McKinney

Calvary Christian Academy (McKinney)

Christian · PK–12 · $10,200-$12,800/yr

McKinney Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Pittsburgh

Shady Side Academy

Independent · PK–12 · $27,800-$29,400/yr

Winchester Thurston School

Independent · PK–12 · $25,200-$27,600/yr

Central Catholic High School (Pittsburgh)

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,400/yr

North Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,800/yr

Full McKinney breakdown → Full Pittsburgh breakdown →

Texas private school costs Pennsylvania 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.