* Location: Boarding schools in rural areas or less affluent states will generally be cheaper than those in major cities or prestigious areas like New England.
* Type of school: Religious schools, schools with specific focuses (e.g., military academies), and smaller, less well-known schools often have lower tuition than larger, more prestigious independent schools.
* Financial aid: Many boarding schools offer financial aid, significantly reducing the cost for eligible families. The amount of aid available varies greatly depending on the school's endowment and the family's financial situation.
While some smaller, less well-known schools might have tuition under $20,000 per year, this is rare. The average cost of a boarding school in the US is significantly higher, often exceeding $50,000 and reaching well over $60,000 or more at highly prestigious institutions. Therefore, finding the "cheapest" requires extensive research and considering your specific needs and location. You'll need to research individual school websites and contact their admissions offices to get accurate pricing and financial aid information.