Private School Cost: Seattle vs Worcester
Worcester averages $900/year less for private school (4% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $11,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Worcester is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $23,600/year vs $24,500/year in Seattle. Religious schools run $12,800/year on the low end.
Seattle
WA
$24,500
avg tuition/year
Worcester
MA
$23,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Seattle | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $24,500/yr | $23,600/yr | +$900 |
| Religious Schools | $13,200/yr | $12,800/yr | +$400 |
| Independent/Prep | $38,000/yr | $48,100/yr | -$10,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $20,000/yr | $20,100/yr | -$100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $24,500/yr | $23,600/yr | +$900 |
| High School (9-12) | $30,500/yr | $28,300/yr | +$2,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Seattle
$318,500
Worcester
$306,800
Choosing Worcester saves $11,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $23,400.
Sample Schools
Seattle
University Prep
Independent · 6–12 · $42,800/yr
Northwest School
Independent · 6–12 · $39,400/yr
Seattle Prep
Catholic · 9–12 · $21,200/yr
O'Dea High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr
Worcester
Holy Name Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
Worcester Academy
Independent · 9–12 · $36,400/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.