Average Private School Tuition in South Carolina (2026)
Private schools in South Carolina average $8,950/year. 28% below national avg. Religious schools run $6,500/year; independent schools average $18,500/year.
State Average
$8,950
per year
Monthly Est.
$746
per month
Private Schools
420
in South Carolina
vs National
-$3,400
per year
Private School Tuition by Grade Level in South Carolina (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.
$7,600/yr
~$633/mo
Middle School (6–8)
Near the state average; many schools run K–8 or 6–12 programs.
$8,950/yr
~$745/mo
High School (9–12)
Most expensive level — prep school premium and college counseling raise cost.
$10,700/yr
~$891/mo
Tuition by School Type in South Carolina
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$6,500/yr
-19% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$18,500/yr
-26% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$10,800/yr
-14% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$8,950/yr
-28% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in South Carolina
25th Percentile
$5,000
More affordable options
State Average
$8,950
Typical school
75th Percentile
$14,800
Premium schools
Most South Carolina private schools fall between $5,000 and $14,800/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in South Carolina?
Enter your household income to see how South Carolina's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in South Carolina
Private School (avg)
$8,950
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$11,520
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
South Carolina spends $11,520/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $8,950/year — a gap of $2,570/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Private School Types in South Carolina
Tuition varies significantly by school type. Religious schools cost 50–70% less than independent schools on average.
Financial Aid in South Carolina
About 27% of private school students in South Carolina receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At South Carolina's average of $8,950/year, that's roughly $4,300/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 $6,500/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 South Carolina
Explore local private school counts, demographics, and market data for the largest communities in South Carolina.
Neighboring States
Compare South Carolina private school costs with nearby states.
Popular States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private school cost in South Carolina?
Private school in South Carolina averages $8,950/year — 28% below the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $6,500/year; independent schools average $18,500/year. South Carolina has approximately 420 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in South Carolina?
The average private school tuition in South Carolina is $8,950/year. That breaks down to roughly $745/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $6,500/year; independent schools average $18,500/year.
How does South Carolina private school cost compare to the national average?
South Carolina private school tuition averages $8,950/year, which is 28% below the national average ($12,350/year). South Carolina is one of the more affordable states for private education, with a higher share of parish-subsidized religious schools keeping costs down.
How many private schools are in South Carolina?
South Carolina has approximately 420 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 South Carolina?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At South Carolina's average of $8,950/year, that means a household income of $75,000+ 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 South Carolina
ZIP-level opportunity scores, demographics, and school density data.