Private School Cost: Missoula vs Tulsa
Tulsa averages $1,000/year less for private school (14% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $13,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Tulsa is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,000/year vs $8,000/year in Missoula. Religious schools run $5,100/year on the low end.
Missoula
MT
$8,000
avg tuition/year
Tulsa
OK
$7,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Missoula | Tulsa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $8,000/yr | $7,000/yr | +$1,000 |
| Religious Schools | $5,400/yr | $5,100/yr | +$300 |
| Independent/Prep | $15,500/yr | $14,500/yr | +$1,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,800/yr | $6,000/yr | +$800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $8,000/yr | $7,000/yr | +$1,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $9,600/yr | $8,400/yr | +$1,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Missoula
$104,000
Tulsa
$91,000
Choosing Tulsa saves $13,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $26,000.
Sample Schools
Missoula
Loyola Sacred Heart High School (Missoula)
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,200/yr
Montana Academy (Missoula area)
Independent (Therapeutic) · 9–12 · $44,800-$52,000/yr
Tulsa
Holland Hall (Tulsa)
Independent (Episcopal) · PK–12 · $21,400/yr
Bishop Kelley High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $10,800/yr
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.