Private School Cost in Massachusetts (2026)
Private schools in Massachusetts average $22,500/year. 82% above national avg. Religious schools run $12,200/year; independent schools average $45,800/year.
State Average
$22,500
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,875
per month
Private Schools
720
in Massachusetts
vs National
+$10,150
per year
Tuition by School Type in Massachusetts
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$12,200/yr
+53% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$45,800/yr
+83% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$19,200/yr
+54% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$22,500/yr
+82% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in Massachusetts
25th Percentile
$12,500
More affordable options
State Average
$22,500
Typical school
75th Percentile
$38,500
Premium schools
Most Massachusetts private schools fall between $12,500 and $38,500/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in Massachusetts?
Enter your household income to see how Massachusetts's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in Massachusetts
Private School (avg)
$22,500
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$19,460
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
Massachusetts spends $19,460/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $22,500/year — a gap of $3,040/year more than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in Massachusetts
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At Massachusetts's average of $22,500/year, that's roughly $10,800/year in aid for qualifying families. Most Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
Private school in Massachusetts averages $22,500/year — 82% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $12,200/year; independent schools average $45,800/year. Massachusetts has approximately 720 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in Massachusetts?
The average private school tuition in Massachusetts is $22,500/year. That breaks down to roughly $1,875/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $12,200/year; independent schools average $45,800/year.
How does Massachusetts private school cost compare to the national average?
Massachusetts private school tuition averages $22,500/year, which is 82% above the national average ($12,350/year). Massachusetts is one of the higher-cost states for private education, driven by higher concentrations of elite independent schools.
How many private schools are in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has approximately 720 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 Massachusetts?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Massachusetts's average of $22,500/year, that means a household income of $188,000+ 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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All States Comparison
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