Public vs Private School Cost by State (2026)
How does private school tuition compare to what public schools spend per student? The gap varies dramatically by state — from near-parity to 3x the cost. Pick your state to see the full breakdown.
Avg Public Spending
$13,440
per pupil/yr (NCES national avg)
Avg Private Tuition
$12,350
per year (NCES national avg)
Religious School Avg
$8,000
per year — closest to public cost
The comparison isn't apples-to-apples
Public per-pupil spending includes transportation, special education, administration, and facilities — costs that don't appear in a private school tuition bill. When comparing, religious schools (averaging $8,000/yr nationally) often come closest to what public schools spend per student on direct instruction.
Compare by State
Click any state for the full public vs private breakdown
More Private School Resources
Private School Cost by State
Tuition averages and breakdowns for all 50 states
Private School Cost by City
City-level tuition data for major metro areas
Private School Cost Calculator
Estimate total cost based on grade and school type
Financial Aid Guide
27% of private school families receive need-based aid