Private Elementary School Tuition 2026: Cost by State
Private elementary school tuition averages $11,100/year nationally. Religious schools run around $7,200. Independent lower schools average $22,500. Elementary is the least expensive phase at most private schools — tuition climbs as your child moves into middle and high school.
2026 Elementary School Tuition at a Glance
Elementary School Tuition by School Type (National Average)
Source: NCES Private School Universe Survey. Grades K–5.
| School Type | Annual Tuition | Per Month | 6 years Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religious school | $7,200 | $720 | $43,200 |
| Montessori | $11,250 | $1,130 | $67,500 |
| National average (all types) | $11,120 | $1,110 | $66,700 |
| Independent school | $22,500 | $2,250 | $135,000 |
Private Elementary School Cost by State
All-type average tuition with 10% grade-level adjustment. Source: NCES. Sorted by all-school average.
| State | All Schools | Religious | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $24,170 | $13,950 | $40,680 |
| Massachusetts | $20,250 | $10,980 | $41,220 |
| Connecticut | $19,220 | $10,620 | $38,250 |
| New York | $18,140 | $10,350 | $38,520 |
| New Hampshire | $16,070 | $9,180 | $34,650 |
| New Jersey | $15,080 | $9,720 | $32,220 |
| Vermont | $14,630 | $8,820 | $31,950 |
| California | $14,110 | $9,180 | $27,450 |
| Maryland | $13,910 | $9,450 | $29,250 |
| Rhode Island | $13,370 | $8,550 | $29,250 |
| Virginia | $12,830 | $8,820 | $25,650 |
| Hawaii | $12,780 | $8,190 | $23,850 |
| Washington | $12,110 | $8,280 | $25,920 |
| Pennsylvania | $11,930 | $7,650 | $27,720 |
| Maine | $11,930 | $7,380 | $25,650 |
| Delaware | $11,520 | $7,650 | $21,780 |
| Colorado | $11,210 | $7,290 | $22,050 |
| Illinois | $11,120 | $7,020 | $25,650 |
| Oregon | $10,940 | $7,380 | $22,050 |
| Texas | $10,310 | $7,020 | $21,780 |
| Georgia | $10,130 | $7,020 | $20,520 |
| Nevada | $10,080 | $7,020 | $20,250 |
| Alaska | $9,770 | $6,480 | $17,550 |
| Tennessee | $9,590 | $6,750 | $20,250 |
| Florida | $9,410 | $6,480 | $19,350 |
| North Carolina | $9,230 | $6,480 | $19,350 |
| Arizona | $8,890 | $6,660 | $17,010 |
| Minnesota | $8,870 | $6,120 | $20,250 |
| Michigan | $8,330 | $5,760 | $17,820 |
| New Mexico | $8,330 | $5,850 | $16,650 |
| Ohio | $8,240 | $5,850 | $19,080 |
| South Carolina | $8,060 | $5,850 | $16,650 |
| Utah | $8,060 | $5,580 | $16,020 |
| Missouri | $7,880 | $5,580 | $18,450 |
| Wisconsin | $7,790 | $5,220 | $17,550 |
| Wyoming | $7,610 | $5,220 | $14,580 |
| Indiana | $7,610 | $5,580 | $15,750 |
| Alabama | $7,420 | $5,540 | $15,120 |
| Montana | $7,340 | $4,950 | $14,220 |
| Kentucky | $7,340 | $5,400 | $16,020 |
| Kansas | $7,070 | $4,950 | $14,580 |
| Oklahoma | $6,890 | $4,950 | $14,220 |
| Idaho | $6,890 | $4,680 | $13,320 |
| Nebraska | $6,710 | $4,680 | $14,580 |
| Iowa | $6,530 | $4,590 | $13,680 |
| West Virginia | $6,530 | $4,680 | $13,050 |
| Arkansas | $6,440 | $4,860 | $12,780 |
| North Dakota | $6,170 | $4,320 | $12,150 |
| Louisiana | $6,170 | $4,590 | $14,850 |
| Mississippi | $5,810 | $4,320 | $11,520 |
| South Dakota | $5,630 | $4,050 | $11,520 |
Why Elementary Costs Less Than High School
Elementary school runs 10% below a school’s all-grades average at most institutions. The reason is staffing. Elementary teachers cost less than specialized high school subject teachers, and the curriculum requires fewer expensive resources (labs, advanced equipment, college counseling staff).
That said, the total cost over six years adds up. At the national average of $11,100/year, six years of elementary school comes to roughly $66,600. At an independent school averaging $22,500, the same six years runs $135,000.
What’s Included in Elementary Tuition?
Usually tuition, basic textbooks, and standard classroom supplies. Typically excluded: uniforms ($400–$800/year), enrichment programs, field trips, aftercare, and technology fees. Budget $800–$2,500/year in extras on top of posted tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private elementary school cost per year?
Private elementary school (grades K–5) averages $11,100/year nationally. Religious schools run around $7,200/year; independent schools average $22,500/year. Total cost for 6 years of elementary: $66,600 at the national average, $43,200 at a religious school, and $135,000 at an independent school.
Is private elementary school cheaper than private high school?
Yes. Private elementary school typically runs 10% less than the same school’s high school tuition. At a religious school, the gap might be $7,200 (elementary) vs. $9,200 (high school). At an independent school, it’s more like $22,500 vs. $28,750. The premium reflects more specialized teachers and programs in the upper grades.
What is included in private elementary school tuition?
Tuition typically covers instruction and standard textbooks. It usually does not include uniforms ($400–$800/year), enrichment programs, field trips, technology fees, or aftercare. Budget $800–$2,500/year in additional costs on top of posted tuition.
Data: NAIS Annual Tuition Survey, NCEA Catholic School Statistics, NCES Private School Universe Survey, College Board Independent School Aid Research
Last updated: September 2025
How we calculate this · Financial aid is not guaranteed. Contact each school's financial aid office for current aid availability and application deadlines.