Private School Cost in Mississippi (2026)
Private schools in Mississippi average $6,450/year. 48% below national avg. Religious schools run $4,800/year; independent schools average $12,800/year.
State Average
$6,450
per year
Monthly Est.
$538
per month
Private Schools
250
in Mississippi
vs National
-$5,900
per year
Tuition by School Type in Mississippi
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$4,800/yr
-40% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$12,800/yr
-49% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$8,500/yr
-32% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$6,450/yr
-48% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in Mississippi
25th Percentile
$3,200
More affordable options
State Average
$6,450
Typical school
75th Percentile
$10,500
Premium schools
Most Mississippi private schools fall between $3,200 and $10,500/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in Mississippi?
Enter your household income to see how Mississippi's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in Mississippi
Private School (avg)
$6,450
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$9,830
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
Mississippi spends $9,830/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $6,450/year — a gap of $3,380/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in Mississippi
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At Mississippi's average of $6,450/year, that's roughly $3,100/year in aid for qualifying families. Most Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
Private school in Mississippi averages $6,450/year — 48% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $4,800/year; independent schools average $12,800/year. Mississippi has approximately 250 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in Mississippi?
The average private school tuition in Mississippi is $6,450/year. That breaks down to roughly $537/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $4,800/year; independent schools average $12,800/year.
How does Mississippi private school cost compare to the national average?
Mississippi private school tuition averages $6,450/year, which is 48% below the national average ($12,350/year). Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
Mississippi has approximately 250 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 Mississippi?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Mississippi's average of $6,450/year, that means a household income of $54,000+ 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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K–12 Total Cost
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