Boston, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Massachusetts’ elite private schools are facing rising tuition fees due to surging demand and long waitlists, particularly among Catholic institutions. In response to an influx of students during the pandemic, schools have reported full enrollment while maintaining varying tuition ranges, generally between $40,000 and $80,000. Financial aid is widely available but varies by institution, prompting families to reassess their educational options between public and private schools. Concerns over educational inequality and public school resources have emerged alongside these increases.
Boston — Massachusetts’ elite private schools are raising tuition as demand surges and waitlists grow, particularly among Catholic and other parochial institutions.
Key facts up front
Top private high schools across Massachusetts have reported full enrollment and long waitlists following a pandemic-era shift toward private education. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reports about 66,000 students enrolled in in-state private and parochial schools, representing roughly 7% of the state’s school-age population. That figure is down from 78,000 students a decade ago, even as some communities experience rising private school enrollment despite an overall decline in the school-age population.
Rising costs and financial aid
Tuition at the top private schools in Massachusetts continues to climb. Annual costs for leading institutions range broadly, commonly between $40,000 and $70,000, with some prestigious boarding schools charging nearly $80,000 without financial aid. Most schools offer need-based tuition assistance, but the availability and average amounts vary widely by institution. Sample 2024–25 tuition figures include boarding and day rates as well as reported aid levels for selected schools.
Demand drivers and enrollment patterns
The pandemic prompted many families to move students into private high schools, creating full rosters and extended waitlists at top institutions. Parents cited several reasons for choosing private education, including specialized curricula, perceived higher academic standards, the absence of gifted programs in some public schools, and alignment with cultural or religious values. In particular, Catholic schools have seen strong demand; the Boston Archdiocese oversees 93 Catholic schools, and there are numerous additional parochial and language or cultural immersion programs throughout the state.
Public policy and equity concerns
Critics argue that the shift toward private schooling worsens educational inequality by drawing higher-income students away from public schools, which can affect public school resources and demographic balance. Recent policy changes that removed the requirement linking high school graduation to MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) scores have added to concerns about the future direction and perceived rigor of the state’s public education system. Observers say such changes may influence more families to opt for private options.
How schools are responding
Private schools have continued to adjust tuition rates annually to cover operating costs, financial aid budgets, and program expansion. Some schools report high percentages of students receiving aid; for example, several elite boarding and day schools award significant average assistance, while other institutions target aid to a smaller share of families. The variation in aid practices means actual out-of-pocket costs vary considerably from family to family.
What this means for families
Families weighing private versus public options face several trade-offs: higher tuition costs versus perceived academic fit or values alignment, availability of financial aid, and the practical reality of waitlists and enrollment caps. Rising tuition rates are influencing these decisions as parents evaluate long-term affordability, program offerings, and the potential impact on household finances.
Background context
Over the last decade Massachusetts has seen a gradual decline in overall private and parochial enrollment from 78,000 to 66,000 students even as select communities report increases. The landscape includes a mix of boarding schools, independent day schools, Catholic and other religiously affiliated schools, and specialized programs focused on language or cultural immersion. The variety of options contributes to differing tuition structures, aid policies, and admissions practices.
Data snapshot
- Private/parochial enrollment: ~66,000 students (about 7% of school-age population).
- Enrollment change: Down from 78,000 a decade ago.
- Catholic schools: 93 schools in the Boston Archdiocese plus additional parochial institutions statewide.
- Tuition range: Commonly $40,000–$70,000; some schools charge nearly $80,000 without aid.
- Financial aid: Available at most schools; coverage and frequency vary widely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are private school tuitions rising in Massachusetts?
Tuitions are increasing to cover higher operating costs, expanded programs, and financial aid budgets. Increased demand following the pandemic has also allowed some schools to raise rates while maintaining enrollment.
How many students attend private and parochial schools in the state?
About 66,000 students are enrolled in private and parochial schools in Massachusetts, representing roughly 7% of the state’s school-age population. This is down from about 78,000 students a decade ago.
Are financial aid and tuition assistance widely available?
Most private schools offer need-based tuition assistance, but amounts and eligibility vary by school. Some institutions provide substantial average awards and support a high share of students, while others assist a smaller percentage of families.
What options do families have if they cannot afford private tuition?
Families can explore need-based aid, scholarships, and payment plans offered by private schools, consider public school alternatives, or seek parochial or specialized schools with lower tuition. Local school districts and community organizations may also offer resources and guidance.
Selected 2024–25 tuition figures and aid information
| School | 2024–25 Tuition | Financial Aid / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips Academy Andover | Boarding: $73,780; Day: $57,190 | Average tuition assistance: $58,000 |
| Cushing Academy | Boarding: $75,500; Day: $51,050 | Provides need-based aid (amounts vary) |
| Bishop Feehan High School | $14,550 | Tuition assistance awarded to about 1 in 3 students |
| Boston Trinity Academy | Domestic: $29,250; International: $39,250 | About 60% of families receive tuition assistance |
| Boston College High School | $29,455 | Financial aid available to about 41% of students |
| Milton Academy | Boarding: $75,980; Day: $65,980 | Approximately 75% of students receive financial aid |
| Other notable schools | Range: $40,000–$70,000 (varies by school) | Includes Thayer Academy, Noble and Greenough, Groton School, and others |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shift in Educational Preferences with Rise of Private Schools in Massachusetts
Top Private High Schools in Boston Metro Area for 2024
Massachusetts Higher Education Faces Demographic Challenges
Wellesley College Becomes First with Over $100,000 in Costs
Massachusetts Faces Enrollment Crisis in Private Colleges
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Long Waitlists for Mass Private Schools
- Wikipedia: Private School
- Boston Globe: Private School Cost in Massachusetts
- Google Search: Massachusetts Private Schools
- Daily Collegian: The True Purpose of Private Schools
- Google Scholar: Private Schools Massachusetts
- Telegram: Masters Academy International Tour
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tuition
- The Swellesley Report: Tuition Rates for Wellesley Private Schools
- Google News: Private School Tuition Massachusetts
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
