Private School Cost in Rhode Island (2026)
Private schools in Rhode Island average $14,850/year. 20% above national avg. Religious schools run $9,500/year; independent schools average $32,500/year.
State Average
$14,850
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,238
per month
Private Schools
120
in Rhode Island
vs National
+$2,500
per year
Tuition by School Type in Rhode Island
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$9,500/yr
+19% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$32,500/yr
+30% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$15,800/yr
+26% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$14,850/yr
+20% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in Rhode Island
25th Percentile
$8,200
More affordable options
State Average
$14,850
Typical school
75th Percentile
$24,500
Premium schools
Most Rhode Island private schools fall between $8,200 and $24,500/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in Rhode Island?
Enter your household income to see how Rhode Island's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in Rhode Island
Private School (avg)
$14,850
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$18,370
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
Rhode Island spends $18,370/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $14,850/year — a gap of $3,520/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in Rhode Island
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At Rhode Island's average of $14,850/year, that's roughly $7,100/year in aid for qualifying families. Most Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Private school in Rhode Island averages $14,850/year — 20% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $9,500/year; independent schools average $32,500/year. Rhode Island has approximately 120 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in Rhode Island?
The average private school tuition in Rhode Island is $14,850/year. That breaks down to roughly $1,237/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $9,500/year; independent schools average $32,500/year.
How does Rhode Island private school cost compare to the national average?
Rhode Island private school tuition averages $14,850/year, which is 20% above the national average ($12,350/year). Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has approximately 120 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 Rhode Island?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Rhode Island's average of $14,850/year, that means a household income of $124,000+ 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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