Private School Cost: Newport News vs Wilmington
Wilmington averages $4,000/year less for private school (40% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $52,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Wilmington is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,000/year vs $14,000/year in Newport News. Religious schools run $7,100/year on the low end.
Newport News
VA
$14,000
avg tuition/year
Wilmington
NC
$10,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Newport News | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $14,000/yr | $10,000/yr | +$4,000 |
| Religious Schools | $9,600/yr | $7,100/yr | +$2,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $27,900/yr | $21,100/yr | +$6,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,900/yr | $8,500/yr | +$3,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $14,000/yr | $10,000/yr | +$4,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $16,800/yr | $12,000/yr | +$4,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Newport News
$182,000
Wilmington
$130,000
Choosing Wilmington saves $52,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $104,000.
Sample Schools
Newport News
Denbigh Baptist Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,800-$11,200/yr
Peninsula Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
Wilmington
Cape Fear Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $16,400/yr
Wilmington Christian Academy
Christian · K–12 · $9,400-$11,800/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.