Private School Cost in Delaware (2026)
Private schools in Delaware average $12,800/year. 4% above national avg. Religious schools run $8,500/year; independent schools average $24,200/year.
State Average
$12,800
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,067
per month
Private Schools
130
in Delaware
vs National
+$450
per year
Tuition by School Type in Delaware
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$8,500/yr
+6% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$24,200/yr
-3% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$13,500/yr
+8% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$12,800/yr
+4% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in Delaware
25th Percentile
$7,000
More affordable options
State Average
$12,800
Typical school
75th Percentile
$20,500
Premium schools
Most Delaware private schools fall between $7,000 and $20,500/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in Delaware?
Enter your household income to see how Delaware's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in Delaware
Private School (avg)
$12,800
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$16,680
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
Delaware spends $16,680/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $12,800/year — a gap of $3,880/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in Delaware
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At Delaware's average of $12,800/year, that's roughly $6,100/year in aid for qualifying families. Most Delaware 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 Delaware?
Private school in Delaware averages $12,800/year — 4% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $8,500/year; independent schools average $24,200/year. Delaware has approximately 130 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in Delaware?
The average private school tuition in Delaware is $12,800/year. That breaks down to roughly $1,066/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $8,500/year; independent schools average $24,200/year.
How does Delaware private school cost compare to the national average?
Delaware private school tuition averages $12,800/year, which is 4% above the national average ($12,350/year). Delaware sits close to the national average — a mix of religious and independent schools puts it near the middle of the range.
How many private schools are in Delaware?
Delaware has approximately 130 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 Delaware?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Delaware's average of $12,800/year, that means a household income of $107,000+ 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.
Private School Calculator
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K–12 Total Cost
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