The Academic Outcomes: What the Research Shows
When it comes to academic performance, the data consistently favors private school students. According to the U.S. Department of Education's report Private Schools: A Brief Portrait, private school students generally perform higher than their public school counterparts on standardized achievement tests, and private high schools typically maintain more demanding graduation requirements (U.S. Department of Education via CAPE).
The numbers become even more compelling when you look at high school completion rates. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that among 12th-graders enrolled in private schools in fall 2020, approximately 96 percent graduated in 2020–21 (NCES, 2024). Compare that to the national public school adjusted cohort graduation rate of 87 percent in the same period, and the private school advantages in Michigan and across the country become difficult to ignore.
Private schools also tend to require more rigorous coursework. According to the Council for American Private Education, private high schools require more courses for graduation than public high schools across multiple subjects, including math, science, social studies, foreign language, and computer science. Students are also more likely to take advanced courses in calculus, chemistry, physics, and advanced biology (CAPE).
College Enrollment and Degree Completion
One of the most powerful indicators of private school cost benefit is what happens after graduation. NCES data reveals that students who attended private school in 8th grade were twice as likely as those who attended public school to have completed a bachelor's degree or higher by their mid-20s (52 percent compared with 26 percent) (CAPE/NCES).
For students from the lowest socioeconomic backgrounds, the advantage was even more dramatic. Students from families in the lowest socioeconomic quartile who attended private school completed a bachelor's degree at a rate nearly four times that of their public school peers — 30 percent compared to just 7 percent (CAPE/NCES). This finding alone speaks volumes about the long-term benefits of private education, particularly for families who worry that a private education value might only apply to wealthy students.
The Earnings Premium: A Lifetime of Returns
The financial case for private education doesn't stop at college acceptance letters. Research from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities shows that bachelor's degree holders earn median annual wages that are 86 percent higher than those whose highest degree is a high school diploma, with median lifetime earnings approximately $1.2 million higher overall (APLU). When private school graduates are more likely to earn those bachelor's degrees, the compounding financial benefits become clear.
A Cambridge University study found that private school graduates earn approximately 6 percent more just three years after completing college, even after adjusting for degree type and major (Cambridge University via Xceed Prep). This private school ROI grows over the course of a career as graduates access professional networks, leadership positions, and career advancement opportunities built on the academic and personal foundations laid during their formative school years.
When you frame private school tuition as an investment rather than an expense, the math begins to favor families who choose private education. A K–8 private school education that costs a family a few thousand dollars per year can contribute to outcomes that yield hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional lifetime earnings.
Addressing Common Objections Head-On
"We can't afford private school tuition."
This is the most common concern Michigan families raise, and it's completely understandable. However, private school may be more affordable than you think. The average private elementary school tuition in Michigan is $9,486 per year, which is notably lower than the Oakland County average of $16,789 (PrivateSchoolReview). Many faith-based and community-oriented schools, particularly Lutheran and Catholic schools, operate well below these averages.
At St. Paul Lutheran School in Royal Oak, families benefit from tuition rates that are competitive within the Oakland County market while receiving a private education rooted in over 100 years of academic excellence. The school also offers multiple options to make Christian education affordable, and families are encouraged to reach out directly to discuss tuition assistance and payment plans.
Here are some practical budgeting tips to help make private school work for your family:
- Request a detailed tuition schedule. Many schools, including St. Paul, offer downloadable rate schedules so you can plan ahead with complete transparency.
- Ask about financial aid and sliding-scale tuition. A Mackinac Center study found that many Michigan private schools use income-based tuition scales, meaning families pay what they can realistically afford (Mackinac Center for Public Policy).
- Compare total costs, not just sticker price. Public school expenses including transportation, after-school programs, tutoring, and extracurricular fees can add up quickly, narrowing the gap between public and private school costs more than most families realize.
- Think long-term. When private school leads to stronger college outcomes and higher lifetime earnings, the tuition investment often pays for itself many times over.
"Our public schools are good enough."
Oakland County does have strong public school districts, and many families are well-served by them. But "good enough" and "optimal" are two different things. Private education value often comes down to factors that don't show up in district rankings, including smaller class sizes, individualized instruction, values-based character development, and a nurturing school community that treats every child as an individual.
At St. Paul Lutheran School, for example, smaller classes ensure that every student receives the help and encouragement they need to achieve their full potential. The school's preschool program maintains a staff-to-child ratio of 1:8 for three-year-olds and 1:10 for four-year-olds, and the K–8 curriculum meets all State of Michigan requirements while integrating faith-based learning across every subject area.
"Private schools are elitist."
This is one of the most persistent private school misconceptions. In reality, 75 percent of Michigan's private schools are religiously affiliated and serve diverse communities with a wide range of family incomes (PrivateSchoolReview). Schools like St. Paul Lutheran have been welcoming both church families and non-members for over a century, creating an inclusive environment built on shared values rather than socioeconomic status.
Read our blog about how private schooling influences a student’s future family lives.
The Whole-Child Advantage: More Than Academics
When evaluating whether private school is worth it, academic outcomes tell only part of the story. The long-term benefits of private education include social, emotional, and spiritual development that shapes children into well-rounded adults.
St. Paul Lutheran School's mission centers on equipping children for a life of service through academic, physical, spiritual, and social maturity centered around Jesus Christ. This whole-child development approach means that students also build character, develop empathy, and learn to serve their communities.
The school's programs reflect this philosophy:
- A comprehensive curriculum spanning religion, language arts, social studies, science, mathematics, fine arts, and physical education
- An exceptional music program that includes general music instruction, beginning and advanced band, handbell choir, and a select auditioned choir
- Athletic opportunities through a partnership with St. Mary in Royal Oak for after-school sports
- Individualized attention made possible by small class sizes and dedicated, experienced teachers — many of whom have served at the school for decades. Read our blog about how small classes help kids thrive.
These are the experiences that build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in young people. They are also the experiences that private education research consistently links to better life outcomes, including higher civic engagement and greater overall life satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is private school really worth the cost for elementary students?
Yes. Research from NCES shows that students who attend private school during their formative years are significantly more likely to complete college degrees and earn higher lifetime wages. The academic habits, character development, and individualized attention that private elementary schools provide create a strong foundation for future success.
How does private school tuition in Michigan compare to the national average?
Michigan's average private elementary school tuition of $9,486 is competitive with national averages, and many faith-based schools operate below this number. In Oakland County specifically, the average private school tuition is $16,789, but Lutheran and community-based schools like St. Paul often offer more affordable options (PrivateSchoolReview).
Do private school students perform better on standardized tests?
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, students in private schools consistently score well above the national average at all three grade levels tested — grades 4, 8, and 12. A significantly higher percentage of private school students reach the Proficient and Advanced performance levels compared to public school students (CAPE/NCES).
What should I look for when choosing a private school in Michigan?
Look for schools with strong academic track records, small class sizes, experienced faculty, a clear mission and values framework, and transparent tuition information. Visiting the school, meeting teachers, and speaking with current families are some of the most important steps in the decision-making process. You can explore more about what to consider when evaluating a private school.
Can families who aren't church members attend St. Paul Lutheran School?
Absolutely. St. Paul has been providing quality education in downtown Royal Oak for over 100 years to both church families and non-members. All families who are seeking academic excellence and whole-child development in a nurturing, faith-based environment are welcome.
Making the Decision That's Right for Your Family
Deciding whether private school is worth it ultimately comes down to your family's values, priorities, and long-term goals for your child. The research is clear: private education is associated with higher academic achievement, stronger college outcomes, greater lifetime earnings, and a more well-rounded developmental experience.
For Michigan families considering private school in Oakland County, St. Paul Lutheran School offers a compelling combination of academic rigor, affordability, small class sizes, and a whole-child approach to education that has served the Royal Oak community for more than a century.
The best way to know if St. Paul is the right fit for your family is to see it for yourself. Contact us today to schedule a tour, ask questions about tuition and financial options, or simply learn more about what makes our school community special. We look forward to getting to know you and your family.