Private School Cost: Sterling Heights vs Wilmington
Sterling Heights averages $700/year less for private school (8% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $9,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Sterling Heights is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $9,300/year vs $10,000/year in Wilmington. Religious schools run $6,400/year on the low end.
Sterling Heights
MI
$9,300
avg tuition/year
Wilmington
NC
$10,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Sterling Heights | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $9,300/yr | $10,000/yr | -$700 |
| Religious Schools | $6,400/yr | $7,100/yr | -$700 |
| Independent/Prep | $19,800/yr | $21,100/yr | -$1,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $7,900/yr | $8,500/yr | -$600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $9,300/yr | $10,000/yr | -$700 |
| High School (9-12) | $11,200/yr | $12,000/yr | -$800 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Sterling Heights
$120,900
Wilmington
$130,000
Choosing Sterling Heights saves $9,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $18,200.
Sample Schools
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
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.