How much does private school cost in Minnesota?

Average private school tuition in Minnesota is $10,800/year. With financial aid, the average family pays significantly less. 40% of families receive some form of aid.

Tax Credit Scholarships Available

Private School Financial Aid in Minnesota

Q: What financial aid is available for private school in Minnesota?

Minnesota has 3 financial aid programs for private school: Minnesota Education Credit: Up to $1,000/child state tax credit for tuition expenses. Income limit: $33,500. Minnesota Education Deduction: Deduct up to $2,500/child in K-6 or $3,500/child in 7-12 from state taxable income. No income limit. School-based financial aid: Twin Cities area independent and Catholic schools have institutional aid programs. About 40% of private school families in Minnesota receive some form of tuition reduction.

2026 programs, income limits, and how to apply

Minnesota has no state voucher program, but 40% of private school families still get aid through tax credit scholarships and school-based financial assistance. Average tuition: $10,800/year.

Avg Tuition

$10,800

per year

Aid Programs

available

Families Aided

40%

receive some aid

Avg Aid Award

$5,200

need-based

Check Your Eligibility

Enter your household income to see which Minnesota programs you might qualify for.

Annual household income ($)

School-age children

Gross income before taxes. Income limits shown for a family of 4; actual limits scale with household size.

Minnesota Financial Aid Programs

All available programs for private school families in 2026

Minnesota Education Credit

Up to $1,000/child state tax credit for tuition expenses. Income limit: $33,500

Income limit: $33,500/year (family of 4)

$1,000

/year max

Minnesota Education Deduction

Deduct up to $2,500/child in K-6 or $3,500/child in 7-12 from state taxable income. No income limit

$3,500

/year max

School-based financial aid

Twin Cities area independent and Catholic schools have institutional aid programs

Varies

by school

The Full Picture in Minnesota

Minnesota is one of the only states with both a tax credit and a tax deduction for private school expenses. The credit is income-limited ($33,500) but the deduction is available to all families. Combined savings: $600-$1,200/year depending on income and grade level. School-based aid fills the rest. Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis offer tuition assistance through the Catholic Community Foundation.

How to Apply for Aid in Minnesota

Apply for state programs first

Apply through your state's scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) for tax credit scholarships. These have the biggest awards.

Apply for school-based aid at every school

Most schools use TADS, FACTS, or SSS for financial aid assessment. Apply by January-February for the following school year. School aid stacks with state programs.

Check private scholarship organizations

Local nonprofits, community foundations, and religious organizations often provide additional scholarships. Search "[your city] private school scholarships" for local options.

Claim your state tax deduction

Minnesota allows a state tax deduction up to $2,500/child for private school tuition and expenses.