Is private school cheaper in Minneapolis or New Orleans?

New Orleans has lower average private school tuition at $11,800/year vs $15,000/year in Minneapolis. That's $3,200/year less, or $41,600 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing New Orleans over Minneapolis?

Average tuition in New Orleans is $3,200/year less than Minneapolis. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $41,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,200/year in Minneapolis, $7,600/year in New Orleans.

How do Minneapolis and New Orleans private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Minneapolis averages $15,000/year ($2,650 above average). New Orleans averages $11,800/year ($550 below average).

Private School Cost: Minneapolis vs New Orleans

New Orleans averages $3,200/year less for private school (27% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $41,600 per child.

Bottom Line

New Orleans is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,800/year vs $15,000/year in Minneapolis. Religious schools run $7,600/year on the low end.

Minneapolis

$15,000

avg tuition/year

$2,650 above national avg

New Orleans

$11,800

avg tuition/year

$550 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Minneapolis	New Orleans	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$15,000/yr	$11,800/yr	+$3,200
Religious Schools	$9,200/yr	$7,600/yr	+$1,600
Independent/Prep	$27,500/yr	$22,000/yr	+$5,500
Elementary (K-5)	$12,200/yr	$9,600/yr	+$2,600
Middle School (6-8)	$15,000/yr	$11,800/yr	+$3,200
High School (9-12)	$18,500/yr	$14,600/yr	+$3,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Minneapolis

$195,000

New Orleans

$153,400

Choosing New Orleans saves $41,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $83,200.

Sample Schools

Minneapolis

Blake School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,800-$37,200/yr

Breck School

Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr

Minnehaha Academy

Christian · PK–12 · $16,200-$17,800/yr

De La Salle High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/yr

New Orleans

Tulane-affiliated University Schools

Independent · PK–12 · $21,400-$23,800/yr

Jesuit High School New Orleans

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,400/yr

Ursuline Academy (New Orleans)

Catholic · 6–12 · $13,200/yr

Brother Martin High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr

Full Minneapolis breakdown → Full New Orleans breakdown →

Minnesota private school costs Louisiana private school costs

Related Comparisons

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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.