Private School Cost: Nashville vs Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights averages $4,900/year less for private school (53% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $63,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Sterling Heights is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $14,200/year in Nashville. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
Nashville
TN
$14,200
avg tuition/year
Sterling Heights
MI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Nashville | Sterling Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $14,200/yr | $9,300/yr | +$4,900 |
| Religious Schools | $8,800/yr | $6,400/yr | +$2,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $26,500/yr | $19,800/yr | +$6,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,600/yr | $7,900/yr | +$3,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $14,200/yr | $9,300/yr | +$4,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $17,500/yr | $11,200/yr | +$6,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Nashville
$184,600
Sterling Heights
$120,900
Choosing Sterling Heights saves $63,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $127,400.
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
Sterling Heights
De La Salle Collegiate High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,800/yr
Utica Community Christian Schools
Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/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.