Private School Cost: Raleigh vs St. Louis
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $13,000/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Raleigh
NC
$13,000
avg tuition/year
St. Louis
MO
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Raleigh | St. Louis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,000/yr | $13,000/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $8,200/yr | $8,400/yr | -$200 |
| Independent/Prep | $24,500/yr | $24,500/yr | Same |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,600/yr | $10,600/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,000/yr | $13,000/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $16,000/yr | $16,000/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Raleigh
$169,000
St. Louis
$169,000
Sample Schools
Raleigh
Ravenscroft School
Independent · PK–12 · $26,800-$29,200/yr
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr
Cary Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr
Raleigh Charter High School
Charter (Free) · 9–12
St. Louis
John Burroughs School
Independent · 7–12 · $28,400-$30,800/yr
MICDS (Mary Institute and Country Day School)
Independent · JK–12 · $30,200-$32,800/yr
Chaminade College Preparatory
Catholic · 6–12 · $16,800/yr
St. Louis University High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr
Related Comparisons
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.