Private School Cost: Milwaukee vs Salem
Milwaukee averages $1,200/year less for private school (11% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $15,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Milwaukee is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,200/year vs $12,400/year in Salem. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.
Milwaukee
WI
$11,200
avg tuition/year
Salem
OR
$12,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Milwaukee | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,200/yr | $12,400/yr | -$1,200 |
| Religious Schools | $7,400/yr | $8,400/yr | -$1,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $21,000/yr | $25,000/yr | -$4,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,200/yr | $10,500/yr | -$1,300 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,200/yr | $12,400/yr | -$1,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $13,800/yr | $14,900/yr | -$1,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Milwaukee
$145,600
Salem
$161,200
Choosing Milwaukee saves $15,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $31,200.
Sample Schools
Milwaukee
University School of Milwaukee
Independent · PK–12 · $22,800-$25,200/yr
Milwaukee University School
Independent · PK–12 · $21,400/yr
Marquette University High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr
Salem
Salem Academy (OR)
Christian · 9–12 · $14,800/yr
Blanchet Catholic School (Salem)
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
Related Comparisons
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.