Private School Cost: Nashville vs Rochester
Nashville averages $3,900/year less for private school (27% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $50,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Nashville is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $14,200/year vs $18,100/year in Rochester. Religious schools run $8,800/year on the low end.
Nashville
TN
$14,200
avg tuition/year
Rochester
NY
$18,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Nashville | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $14,200/yr | $18,100/yr | -$3,900 |
| Religious Schools | $8,800/yr | $10,400/yr | -$1,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $26,500/yr | $38,500/yr | -$12,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,600/yr | $15,400/yr | -$3,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $14,200/yr | $18,100/yr | -$3,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $17,500/yr | $21,700/yr | -$4,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Nashville
$184,600
Rochester
$235,300
Choosing Nashville saves $50,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $101,400.
Sample Schools
Nashville
Montgomery Bell Academy
Independent · 7–12 · $29,400/yr
Harpeth Hall School
Independent · 5–12 · $28,800/yr
University School of Nashville
Independent · K–12 · $26,200/yr
Father Ryan High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr
Rochester
McQuaid Jesuit High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr
Allendale Columbia School
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr
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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.