Private School Cost in North Dakota (2026)
Private schools in North Dakota average $6,850/year. 45% below national avg. Religious schools run $4,800/year; independent schools average $13,500/year.
State Average
$6,850
per year
Monthly Est.
$571
per month
Private Schools
55
in North Dakota
vs National
-$5,500
per year
Tuition by School Type in North Dakota
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.
$13,500/yr
-46% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$9,200/yr
-26% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$6,850/yr
-45% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in North Dakota
25th Percentile
$3,500
More affordable options
State Average
$6,850
Typical school
75th Percentile
$10,800
Premium schools
Most North Dakota private schools fall between $3,500 and $10,800/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in North Dakota?
Enter your household income to see how North Dakota's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in North Dakota
Private School (avg)
$6,850
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$14,200
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
North Dakota spends $14,200/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $6,850/year — a gap of $7,350/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in North Dakota
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At North Dakota's average of $6,850/year, that's roughly $3,300/year in aid for qualifying families. Most North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Private school in North Dakota averages $6,850/year — 45% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $4,800/year; independent schools average $13,500/year. North Dakota has approximately 55 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in North Dakota?
The average private school tuition in North Dakota is $6,850/year. That breaks down to roughly $570/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $4,800/year; independent schools average $13,500/year.
How does North Dakota private school cost compare to the national average?
North Dakota private school tuition averages $6,850/year, which is 45% below the national average ($12,350/year). North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
North Dakota has approximately 55 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 North Dakota?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At North Dakota's average of $6,850/year, that means a household income of $57,000+ 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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