Average Private School Tuition in Illinois (2026)
Private schools in Illinois average $12,350/year. At national avg. Religious schools run $7,800/year; independent schools average $28,500/year.
State Average
$12,350
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,029
per month
Private Schools
1,540
in Illinois
vs National
+$0
per year
Private School Tuition by Grade Level in Illinois (2026)
Estimated from NCES state averages and national grade-level differentials
Elementary School (K–5)
Typically the most affordable level — includes K–8 parish and religious programs.
$10,500/yr
~$875/mo
Middle School (6–8)
Near the state average; many schools run K–8 or 6–12 programs.
$12,350/yr
~$1,029/mo
High School (9–12)
Most expensive level — prep school premium and college counseling raise cost.
$14,700/yr
~$1,225/mo
Tuition by School Type in Illinois
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$7,800/yr
-3% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$28,500/yr
+14% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$14,200/yr
+14% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$12,350/yr
+0% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in Illinois
25th Percentile
$6,800
More affordable options
State Average
$12,350
Typical school
75th Percentile
$21,500
Premium schools
Most Illinois private schools fall between $6,800 and $21,500/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Private School Cost by Region in Illinois
Tuition varies significantly across regions — high-cost metro areas can be 2–3x rural averages
Chicago Metro
Range: $11,000–$42,000/yr
$19,500/yr
avg
North Shore / Suburbs
Range: $14,000–$38,000/yr
$22,500/yr
avg
Central Illinois
Range: $5,000–$15,000/yr
$8,500/yr
avg
Southern Illinois
Range: $4,500–$13,000/yr
$7,800/yr
avg
Regional averages based on school surveys and NCES data. Individual schools vary — contact admissions for exact figures.
Can I Afford Private School in Illinois?
Enter your household income to see how Illinois's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in Illinois
Private School (avg)
$12,350
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$17,010
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
Illinois spends $17,010/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $12,350/year — a gap of $4,660/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Using a 529 Plan for Private School in Illinois
The Bright Start 529 can cover private K–12 tuition up to $10,000/year per student tax-free. Illinois also offers a state income tax deduction of up to $10,000 per year on contributions.
- • Withdrawals for K–12 tuition up to $10,000/year are federally tax-free
- • Any accredited private school qualifies — religious, independent, or Montessori
- • Unused funds can roll forward for college expenses with no penalty
- • Start contributing early — even $200/month compounds significantly over 10 years
Private School Types in Illinois
Tuition varies significantly by school type. Religious schools cost 50–70% less than independent schools on average.
Financial Aid in Illinois
About 28% of private school students in Illinois receive need-based financial aid, averaging 47% of tuition. At Illinois's average of $12,350/year, that's roughly $5,800/year in aid for qualifying families.
- • Most schools use FACTS or SSS (School and Student Services) applications
- • Apply for aid at the same time you apply for admission — deadlines run January–March
- • Religious schools (avg $7,800/yr) offer the most need-based aid relative to tuition
- • Siblings enrolled at the same school often qualify for a 10–20% multi-child discount
Private School Data by ZIP Code in Illinois
Explore local private school counts, demographics, and market data for the largest communities in Illinois.
Neighboring States
Compare Illinois private school costs with nearby states.
Popular States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private school cost in Illinois?
Private school in Illinois averages $12,350/year — 0% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $7,800/year; independent schools average $28,500/year. Illinois has approximately 1,540 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in Illinois?
The average private school tuition in Illinois is $12,350/year. That breaks down to roughly $1,029/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $7,800/year; independent schools average $28,500/year.
How does Illinois private school cost compare to the national average?
Illinois private school tuition averages $12,350/year, which is 0% below the national average ($12,350/year). Illinois 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 Illinois?
Illinois has approximately 1,540 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 Illinois?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At Illinois's average of $12,350/year, that means a household income of $103,000+ 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.
Average Private School Cost by State
National average: $14,000/year. Compare private school cost across all 50 states by grade and school type.
Total K–12 Cost Calculator
Year-by-year projection with tuition inflation — see the 13-year total.
Financial Aid Calculator
Estimate your aid eligibility based on income and family size.
Private vs Public School
Side-by-side cost comparison with the real out-of-pocket numbers.
All States Comparison
Compare private school costs across all 50 states side by side.
Best Locations in Illinois
ZIP-level opportunity scores, demographics, and school density data.