Private School Cost: Portland vs Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights averages $8,900/year less for private school (96% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $115,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Sterling Heights is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $18,200/year in Portland. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
Portland
OR
$18,200
avg tuition/year
Sterling Heights
MI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Portland | Sterling Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,200/yr | $9,300/yr | +$8,900 |
| Religious Schools | $10,400/yr | $6,400/yr | +$4,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $31,500/yr | $19,800/yr | +$11,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $14,800/yr | $7,900/yr | +$6,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,200/yr | $9,300/yr | +$8,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $22,500/yr | $11,200/yr | +$11,300 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Portland
$236,600
Sterling Heights
$120,900
Choosing Sterling Heights saves $115,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $231,400.
Sample Schools
Portland
Catlin Gabel School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,400-$41,200/yr
Oregon Episcopal School
Independent · PK–12 · $34,800/yr
Jesuit High School (Portland)
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr
Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/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.