Many of the top private boarding schools in the U.S. have announced their tuition fees for the 2024-2025 school year. These fees vary significantly depending on the school’s location, facilities, and other factors. Families considering private boarding schools should look beyond the price tag and factor in elements like educational standards, faculty quality, and extracurricular offerings.
This article discusses the factors that affect boarding school tuition fees and highlights general cost trends. It then lists the tuition fees for the top 50 schools in the U.S., according to the 2024 boarding school rankings by Finding School.
What makes up boarding school tuition fees?
Tuition at U.S. boarding schools is typically composed of several factors related to the services and resources the school provides. These usually include:
- Tuition
- Textbook fees
- Activity fees
- Technology fees
- Health insurance fees
- Off-campus activity fees
For students living on campus, an additional boarding fee covers accommodation, meals, and related costs. Boarding tuition tends to be higher than day tuition for students who commute.
Tuition increases for the 2024-2025 school year
As expected, tuition fees have increased for the 2024-2025 school year, and some schools have seen more significant rises than others. Among the schools with the most notable jumps are:
- Kate School, which saw the largest increase in tuition fees.
- The Lawrenceville School, Georgetown Prep, and Phillips Academy Andover also experienced significant hikes.
This change highlights the growing demand and increasing costs associated with maintaining high standards in academics and facilities.
Tuition breakdown: Top 50 U.S. boarding schools
For the most part, we’re focusing on the largest cost component—boarding tuition—as this is what most families will be paying for students who live on campus. However, each school varies in how it reports its tuition, and some schools may offer more detailed breakdowns of the various fees.
Comparing this year’s costs with last year’s reveals an increase in boarding tuition across all schools, with some experiencing double-digit growth. Families should track these changes and understand how they impact their overall budget.
Summary of boarding school tuition for the 2024-2025 school year (top 50 ranking)
| School name | 2024-2025 | 2023-2024 | Percentage increase |
| Phillips Academy Andover | $73,780 | $69,600 | 6.01% |
| The Lawrenceville School | $79,500 | $76,080 | 4.50% |
| Phillips Exeter Academy | $67,315 | $64,789 | 3.90% |
| Choate Rosemary Hall | $69,370 | $67,380 | 2.95% |
| St. Paul’s School | $68,353 | $65,410 | 4.50% |
| Groton School | $60,895 | $59,995 | 1.50% |
| The Hotchkiss School | $71,170 | $68,370 | 4.10% |
| Concord Academy | $81,560 | $74,690 | 9.19% |
| Middlesex School | $75,475 | $72,050 | 3.50% |
| Milton Academy | $75,980 | $73,950 | 2.75% |
| Peddie School | $75,700 | $72,800 | 3.98% |
| Cate School | $79,980 | $75,000 | 6.64% |
| Deerfield Academy | $71,770 | $68,230 | 5.19% |
| The Webb School | $84,070 | $76,985 | 9.20% |
| The Thacher School | $77,880 | $74,530 | 4.49% |
| St. Andrew’s School | $69,400 | $66,400 | 4.52% |
| St. Mark’s School | $76,100 | $72,930 | 4.35% |
| Suffield Academy | $74,200 | $71,500 | 3.78% |
| The Taft School | $75,250 | $72,000 | 4.51% |
| Episcopal High School | $72,000 | $69,700 | 3.30% |
| Emma Willard School | $73,995 | $69,970 | 5.75% |
| Blair Academy | $75,900 | $72,700 | 4.40% |
| St. Stephen’s Episcopal School | Not available | $68,500 | / |
| Kent School | Not available | $73,450 | / |
| The Hill School | $72,390 | $72,390 | 0% |
| Western Reserve Academy | $74,000 | $71,250 | 3.86% |
| Williston Northampton School | $76,600 | $74,000 | 3.51% |
| Dana Hall School | $74,977 | $71,748 | 4.50% |
| Mercersburg Academy | $75,500 | $72,925 | 3.53% |
| St. George’s School | $76,050 | $73,850 | 2.98% |
| Northfield Mount Hermon School | $74,826 | $72,647 | 3.00% |
| Berkshire School | $76,100 | $73,200 | 3.96% |
| The Pennington School | $76,550 | $72,400 | 5.73% |
| Culver Academies | $65,000 | $61,000 | 6.56% |
| The Governor’s Academy | $76,550 | $72,900 | 5.01% |
| Saint Andrew’s School | $72,420 | $69,300 | 4.50% |
| Westminster School | $73,370 | $70,580 | 3.95% |
| Brooks School | $77,100 | $73,400 | 5.04% |
| Stevenson School | $77,900 | $74,900 | 4.01% |
| The Loomis Chaffee School | $70,480 | $68,420 | 3.01% |
| Westtown School | $72,990 | $70,250 | 3.90% |
| Lake Forest Academy | $73,400 | $69,575 | 5.50% |
| George School | $73,100 | $73,100 | 0% |
| The Cambridge School of Weston | $75,200 | $72,300 | 4.01% |
| The Stony Brook School | $66,300 (7 day)$59,300 (5 day) | $63,900 (7 day)$57,000 (5 day) | 3.76% (7 day)4.04% (5 day) |
| Georgetown Preparatory School | $73,535 | $69,365 | 6.01% |
| Miss Porter’s School | $73,500 | $70,750 | 3.88% |
| Tabor Academy | $77,000 | $74,400 | 3.49% |
| Pomfret School | $72,200 | $69,250 | 4.26% |
| The Madeira School | $71,600 | $69,500 | 3.02% |
When choosing a school, there’s more to consider than just tuition. Look at the school’s academic standards, extracurricular options, and campus environment. Finding the right fit is key to supporting your child’s learning and development.
If you need assistance navigating this process or would like guidance on selecting the best boarding school for your child, Ivy Talent is here to help. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing families with the support and information they need to make well-informed decisions. Contact us today for personalized advice and assistance with your child’s educational journey. Let us guide you every step of the way.
Author: Vy Mai
Date: June 17th, 2024