Data Sources & Methodology
Data last updated: September 2025 · Updated annually (September, after schools publish new tuition)
How the Numbers Work
State tuition medians use NAIS survey responses weighted by school type (independent, religious, charter). K-12 projections use a 3.5% annual tuition inflation rate derived from NAIS's 10-year longitudinal data. Aid estimates use published discount rates by school endowment size and enrollment.
Data Sources
NAIS Annual Tuition Survey
National Association of Independent Schools annual survey covering 1,700+ member schools. The primary source for independent school tuition trends.
NCEA Catholic School Statistics
National Catholic Educational Association annual data on tuition, enrollment, and school counts for Catholic schools by diocese and state.
NCES Private School Universe Survey
National Center for Education Statistics biennial survey covering all private schools. Source for school counts and enrollment by type and state.
College Board Independent School Aid Research
Data on financial aid availability, discount rates, and net tuition at independent schools.
Limitations
Tuition is the floor. Mandatory fees ($200-$1,500), activity fees, uniforms, and textbooks add to the sticker price at most schools. Aid availability varies dramatically by school endowment size. Small religious schools often have lower sticker prices but limited aid budgets. Boarding school costs ($55,000-$70,000/year) are tracked separately from day schools.
About Estimates
The numbers on this site are estimates built from published data. They're a starting point for budgeting and comparison, not a quote. Your actual cost depends on specifics no calculator can know: your vendor, your timing, your circumstances.
Nothing on this site is financial, legal, or professional advice. If the decision is significant, talk to a professional.
PrivateSchoolCost · Built in Sacramento, CA · Data updated September 2025