Private School Cost in Arkansas (2026)
Private schools in Arkansas average $7,150/year. 42% below national avg. Religious schools run $5,400/year; independent schools average $14,200/year.
State Average
$7,150
per year
Monthly Est.
$596
per month
Private Schools
230
in Arkansas
vs National
-$5,200
per year
Tuition by School Type in Arkansas
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$5,400/yr
-33% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$14,200/yr
-43% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$9,800/yr
-22% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$7,150/yr
-42% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in Arkansas
25th Percentile
$3,800
More affordable options
State Average
$7,150
Typical school
75th Percentile
$11,500
Premium schools
Most Arkansas private schools fall between $3,800 and $11,500/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in Arkansas?
Enter your household income to see how Arkansas's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in Arkansas
Private School (avg)
$7,150
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$10,990
per pupil, taxpayer-funded
- • Avg class size: 16–22 students
- • Free to attend (hidden costs: $1,500–$5,000/yr)
- • Quality varies widely by district
Arkansas spends $10,990/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $7,150/year — a gap of $3,840/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in Arkansas
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At Arkansas's average of $7,150/year, that's roughly $3,400/year in aid for qualifying families. Most Arkansas private schools use FAST or SSS applications — ask the admissions office to start the process.
Learn more about private school financial aid →Compare Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private school cost in Arkansas?
Private school in Arkansas averages $7,150/year — 42% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $5,400/year; independent schools average $14,200/year. Arkansas has approximately 230 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in Arkansas?
The average private school tuition in Arkansas is $7,150/year. That breaks down to roughly $595/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $5,400/year; independent schools average $14,200/year.
How does Arkansas private school cost compare to the national average?
Arkansas private school tuition averages $7,150/year, which is 42% below the national average ($12,350/year). Arkansas is one of the more affordable states for private education, with a higher share of parish-subsidized religious schools keeping costs down.
How many private schools are in Arkansas?
Arkansas has approximately 230 private schools. These include religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based) schools, independent schools, Montessori programs, and boarding schools. Source: NCES Private School Universe Survey.
Can I afford private school in Arkansas?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Arkansas's average of $7,150/year, that means a household income of $60,000+ is generally needed without financial stress. About 27% of private school families receive need-based aid averaging 48% of tuition — contact the school's admissions office to learn about aid options.
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