Private School Cost: Tuscaloosa vs Worcester
Tuscaloosa averages $16,300/year less for private school (223% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $211,900 per child.
Bottom Line
Tuscaloosa is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,300/year vs $23,600/year in Worcester. Religious schools run $5,400/year on the low end.
Tuscaloosa
AL
$7,300
avg tuition/year
Worcester
MA
$23,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Tuscaloosa | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $7,300/yr | $23,600/yr | -$16,300 |
| Religious Schools | $5,400/yr | $12,800/yr | -$7,400 |
| Independent/Prep | $14,800/yr | $48,100/yr | -$33,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $6,200/yr | $20,100/yr | -$13,900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $7,300/yr | $23,600/yr | -$16,300 |
| High School (9-12) | $8,800/yr | $28,300/yr | -$19,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Tuscaloosa
$94,900
Worcester
$306,800
Choosing Tuscaloosa saves $211,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $423,800.
Sample Schools
Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $8,800-$11,200/yr
Christian Academy of Tuscaloosa
Christian · K–12 · $8,200-$10,400/yr
Worcester
Holy Name Central Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
Worcester Academy
Independent · 9–12 · $36,400/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.