Private School Cost in Minnesota (2026)
Private schools in Minnesota average $9,850/year. 20% below national avg. Religious schools run $6,800/year; independent schools average $22,500/year.
State Average
$9,850
per year
Monthly Est.
$821
per month
Private Schools
580
in Minnesota
vs National
-$2,500
per year
Tuition by School Type in Minnesota
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$6,800/yr
-15% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$22,500/yr
-10% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$12,800/yr
+2% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$9,850/yr
-20% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in Minnesota
25th Percentile
$5,500
More affordable options
State Average
$9,850
Typical school
75th Percentile
$16,500
Premium schools
Most Minnesota private schools fall between $5,500 and $16,500/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in Minnesota?
Enter your household income to see how Minnesota's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in Minnesota
Private School (avg)
$9,850
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$14,340
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
Minnesota spends $14,340/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $9,850/year — a gap of $4,490/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in Minnesota
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At Minnesota's average of $9,850/year, that's roughly $4,700/year in aid for qualifying families. Most Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Private school in Minnesota averages $9,850/year — 20% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $6,800/year; independent schools average $22,500/year. Minnesota has approximately 580 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in Minnesota?
The average private school tuition in Minnesota is $9,850/year. That breaks down to roughly $820/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $6,800/year; independent schools average $22,500/year.
How does Minnesota private school cost compare to the national average?
Minnesota private school tuition averages $9,850/year, which is 20% below the national average ($12,350/year). Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Minnesota has approximately 580 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 Minnesota?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Minnesota's average of $9,850/year, that means a household income of $82,000+ 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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Financial Aid Calculator
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All States Comparison
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