Private School Cost: Naperville vs Topeka
Topeka averages $6,900/year less for private school (100% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $89,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Topeka is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $13,800/year in Naperville. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.
Naperville
IL
$13,800
avg tuition/year
Topeka
KS
$6,900
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Naperville | Topeka | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,800/yr | $6,900/yr | +$6,900 |
| Religious Schools | $8,700/yr | $4,800/yr | +$3,900 |
| Independent/Prep | $31,900/yr | $14,300/yr | +$17,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,700/yr | $5,900/yr | +$5,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,800/yr | $6,900/yr | +$6,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $16,600/yr | $8,300/yr | +$8,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Naperville
$179,400
Topeka
$89,700
Choosing Topeka saves $89,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $179,400.
Sample Schools
Naperville
Benet Academy (Lisle/Naperville area)
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,400/yr
Wheaton Academy
Christian · 9–12 · $18,200/yr
Topeka
Topeka Collegiate School
Independent · K–8 · $12,400/yr
Hayden Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,400/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.