Is private school cheaper in Memphis or Rio Rancho?

Rio Rancho has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $10,800/year in Memphis. That's $2,700/year less, or $35,100 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Rio Rancho over Memphis?

Average tuition in Rio Rancho is $2,700/year less than Memphis. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $35,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,200/year in Memphis, $5,700/year in Rio Rancho.

How do Memphis and Rio Rancho private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Memphis averages $10,800/year ($1,550 below average). Rio Rancho averages $8,100/year ($4,250 below average).

Private School Cost: Memphis vs Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho averages $2,700/year less for private school (33% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $35,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Rio Rancho is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $10,800/year in Memphis. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Memphis

$10,800

avg tuition/year

$1,550 below national avg

Rio Rancho

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Memphis	Rio Rancho	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,800/yr	$8,100/yr	+$2,700
Religious Schools	$7,200/yr	$5,700/yr	+$1,500
Independent/Prep	$20,500/yr	$16,300/yr	+$4,200
Elementary (K-5)	$8,800/yr	$6,900/yr	+$1,900
Middle School (6-8)	$10,800/yr	$8,100/yr	+$2,700
High School (9-12)	$13,400/yr	$9,700/yr	+$3,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Memphis

$140,400

Rio Rancho

$105,300

Choosing Rio Rancho saves $35,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $70,200.

Sample Schools

Memphis

Hutchison School

Independent · PK–12 · $20,800-$22,400/yr

Memphis University School

Independent · 7–12 · $18,400/yr

Christian Brothers High School (Memphis)

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr

St. Agnes Academy (Memphis)

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,200/yr

Rio Rancho

Corrales International School

International/Independent · K–8 · $8,800-$11,200/yr

Bosque School (Albuquerque area)

Independent · 6–12 · $19,400/yr

Full Memphis breakdown → Full Rio Rancho breakdown →

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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.