Average Private School Tuition in Texas (2026)
Private school tuition in Texas averages $11,450/year statewide — below the national average. Austin's private schools are the most expensive in the state at $15,500. Catholic and religious schools average around $7,800. Texas offers significant value compared to coastal states, with strong options across all major metros.
Texas Private School Tuition at a Glance (2026)
Texas Private School Tuition by Grade Level (2026)
Statewide averages across all school types. Source: NCES baseline with 4%/year inflation projection.
| Grade Level | All Schools | Religious | Independent | Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary (K–5) | $9,800 | $7,000 | $21,800 | $980 |
| Middle School (6–8) | $11,450 | $7,800 | $24,200 | $1,150 |
| High School (9–12) | $13,200 | $9,000 | $27,800 | $1,320 |
Texas Private School Tuition by Region (2026)
Austin leads the state; San Antonio offers the most affordable options. All figures are averages across school types.
| Region | All Schools | Religious | Independent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin | $15,500 | $10,200 | $32,000 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | $13,200 | $8,800 | $28,000 |
| Houston | $12,800 | $8,500 | $26,500 |
| San Antonio | $10,800 | $7,500 | $20,500 |
Sources: NCES Private School Universe Survey (2021–22), Texas Education Agency. 2026 estimates apply 4%/year tuition inflation. Does not include fees, uniforms, or activities.
Austin Private School Tuition (2026)
Austin is the most expensive private school market in Texas at $15,500/year average. Tech wealth and rapid population growth have driven Austin private school costs above Houston and DFW. Religious schools in Austin run around $10,200; independent schools average $32,000.
St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin charges around $32,000–$34,000 for high school. St. Michael's Catholic Academy runs about $14,000–$16,000. The spread between religious and independent in Austin is similar to Houston and DFW — religious schools remain far more affordable than independent options in all four major markets.
Why Texas Private School Costs Are Below the National Average
Texas's $11,450 statewide average falls below the national average of $14,100 for two structural reasons. First, Texas has a high proportion of faith-based private schools — Catholic, Baptist, and non-denominational Christian schools make up a large share of the market and typically charge less than independent secular schools. Second, lower land and construction costs in most Texas cities mean facility overhead is lower than in New York, California, or Massachusetts.
The exception is Austin, where tech industry wealth has pushed independent school tuition to California levels. St. Andrew's Episcopal School, St. Stephen's, and Regents School of Austin all charge $30,000–$38,000 — well above the Texas average. Houston's River Oaks Baptist School and Houston Country Day charge similar amounts. Even in Texas, elite independent schools price like elite schools everywhere.
Average Private High School Tuition in Texas
Private high school in Texas averages $13,200/year statewide. Catholic and religious high schools average around $9,000; independent high schools average about $27,800. Austin's independent high schools average $18,500; DFW averages $15,800; Houston averages $15,200. The range runs from $6,000 at lower-cost Christian schools to $38,000+ at elite college-prep schools in Dallas and Austin.
Average Private Middle School Tuition in Texas
Private middle school costs $11,450/year on average statewide. Austin middle schools average $15,500; DFW averages $13,200; Houston $12,800; San Antonio $10,800. Texas has a notable concentration of K–8 private schools, particularly in the Catholic system, where middle school families benefit from staying in an established elementary program without a new admissions process.
How Texas Compares to Other Large States
Texas at $11,450 is well below California ($19,800), New York ($20,150), Florida ($10,450), and the national average ($14,100). Florida is the only major state priced below Texas. Among Sun Belt states, Texas represents a middle ground — cheaper than Georgia ($11,250 is close), Tennessee ($10,650), and the Carolinas, but more expensive than Louisiana ($6,850) and Mississippi ($6,450).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average private school tuition in Texas in 2026?
Average private school tuition in Texas in 2026 is approximately $11,450/year statewide across all school types. Religious and Catholic schools average around $7,800. Independent nonsectarian schools average about $24,200. Austin is the most expensive market at $15,500; San Antonio is the most affordable major city at $10,800. These figures are projected from NCES 2021–22 baseline data at 4%/year annual tuition inflation.
What is the average private high school tuition in Texas in 2026?
Average private high school tuition in Texas in 2026 is approximately $13,200/year statewide. Catholic and religious high schools average around $9,000. Independent high schools average about $27,800. Austin's independent high schools average $18,500; DFW averages $15,800; Houston $15,200. The range runs from $6,000 at lower-cost Christian academies to $38,000+ at elite college-prep schools in Dallas and Austin.
What is the average private middle school tuition in Texas in 2026?
Average private middle school tuition in Texas in 2026 is approximately $11,450/year statewide. Austin middle schools average $15,500; DFW averages $13,200; Houston $12,800; San Antonio $10,800. Texas has a large K–8 private school sector, particularly in the Catholic system, where middle school families often stay in their elementary school rather than making a separate admissions transition.
How much does private school cost in Austin in 2026?
Private school in Austin averages $15,500/year across all school types in 2026 — the highest in Texas. Religious schools in Austin average about $10,200. Independent schools average around $32,000. Austin's elite independent schools (St. Andrew's Episcopal, St. Stephen's Episcopal, Regents School) charge $30,000–$38,000. Tech industry growth has pushed Austin costs above Houston and Dallas over the past decade.
Is private school more affordable in Texas than other states?
Yes. Texas at $11,450/year is below the national average of $12,350 and well below California ($19,800), New York ($20,150), and even Florida ($10,450 is slightly lower). Texas's affordability is driven by a high proportion of faith-based schools and lower land and construction costs. Austin is the exception — its independent school market has converged with California pricing due to tech-driven wealth concentration.
What are the most expensive private schools in Texas?
The most expensive private schools in Texas are elite independent day schools in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. St. Andrew's Episcopal School (Austin) charges around $38,000–$40,000 for high school. Greenhill School (Dallas) and St. Mark's School of Texas (Dallas) run $38,000–$44,000. River Oaks Baptist School and The Kinkaid School (Houston) charge $32,000–$40,000. These schools compete nationally on college placement and admissions selectivity.
Related Pages
- Texas state data page
- California private school tuition
- New York private school tuition
- Florida private school tuition
- Private high school tuition by state (national)
- Private middle school tuition by state (national)
- Private elementary school cost by state (national)
- Compare all 50 states
- Private school cost calculator
Data: NAIS Annual Tuition Survey, NCEA Catholic School Statistics, NCES Private School Universe Survey, College Board Independent School Aid Research
Last updated: September 2025
How we calculate this · Financial aid is not guaranteed. Contact each school's financial aid office for current aid availability and application deadlines.