Private School Cost: St. Louis vs Sterling Heights
Sterling Heights averages $3,700/year less for private school (40% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $48,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Sterling Heights is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $13,000/year in St. Louis. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
St. Louis
MO
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Sterling Heights
MI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | St. Louis | Sterling Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,000/yr | $9,300/yr | +$3,700 |
| Religious Schools | $8,400/yr | $6,400/yr | +$2,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $24,500/yr | $19,800/yr | +$4,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,600/yr | $7,900/yr | +$2,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,000/yr | $9,300/yr | +$3,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $16,000/yr | $11,200/yr | +$4,800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
St. Louis
$169,000
Sterling Heights
$120,900
Choosing Sterling Heights saves $48,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $96,200.
Sample Schools
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
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
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.