Private School Cost: Trenton vs Wilmington
Wilmington averages $6,800/year less for private school (68% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $88,400 per child.
Bottom Line
Wilmington is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,000/year vs $16,800/year in Trenton. Religious schools run $7,100/year on the low end.
Trenton
NJ
$16,800
avg tuition/year
Wilmington
NC
$10,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Trenton | Wilmington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $16,800/yr | $10,000/yr | +$6,800 |
| Religious Schools | $10,800/yr | $7,100/yr | +$3,700 |
| Independent/Prep | $35,800/yr | $21,100/yr | +$14,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $14,300/yr | $8,500/yr | +$5,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $16,800/yr | $10,000/yr | +$6,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $20,200/yr | $12,000/yr | +$8,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Trenton
$218,400
Wilmington
$130,000
Choosing Wilmington saves $88,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $176,800.
Sample Schools
Trenton
Notre Dame High School (Trenton NJ)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr
Trenton Catholic Academy
Catholic · K–12 · $12,400/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.