Private School Cost in Tennessee (2026)
Private schools in Tennessee average $10,650/year. 14% below national avg. Religious schools run $7,500/year; independent schools average $22,500/year.
State Average
$10,650
per year
Monthly Est.
$888
per month
Private Schools
520
in Tennessee
vs National
-$1,700
per year
Tuition by School Type in Tennessee
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$7,500/yr
-6% 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.
$12,200/yr
-2% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$10,650/yr
-14% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in Tennessee
25th Percentile
$6,000
More affordable options
State Average
$10,650
Typical school
75th Percentile
$17,500
Premium schools
Most Tennessee private schools fall between $6,000 and $17,500/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in Tennessee?
Enter your household income to see how Tennessee's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in Tennessee
Private School (avg)
$10,650
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$10,840
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
Tennessee spends $10,840/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $10,650/year — a gap of $190/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in Tennessee
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At Tennessee's average of $10,650/year, that's roughly $5,100/year in aid for qualifying families. Most Tennessee private schools use FAST or SSS applications — ask the admissions office to start the process.
Learn more about private school financial aid →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private school cost in Tennessee?
Private school in Tennessee averages $10,650/year — 14% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $7,500/year; independent schools average $22,500/year. Tennessee has approximately 520 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in Tennessee?
The average private school tuition in Tennessee is $10,650/year. That breaks down to roughly $887/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $7,500/year; independent schools average $22,500/year.
How does Tennessee private school cost compare to the national average?
Tennessee private school tuition averages $10,650/year, which is 14% below the national average ($12,350/year). Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Tennessee has approximately 520 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 Tennessee?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Tennessee's average of $10,650/year, that means a household income of $89,000+ 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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