What percentage of your HHI goes to tuition?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow. We are a preschool family with two kids considering private because our local ES is huge. If we go private, it would cost us 30% of our HHI for both kids — and more if we send them to a top DC private.

We make $350k combined. We have $2.5M in investments and a big mortgage ($1.3M), though at a very low interest rate.

Would we qualify for financial aid, I wonder?

It would be over 50K per kid just for tuition? You guys attend some expensive schools.

^ I assume you are talking elementary. 50K for hs sounds reasonable (what world do we live in lol)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So are there some cheap schools or is everyone making $1M+. If tuition is 50k/yr and you have 2 kids amd that is 5% of income - as many here claim - then you make $2M. I'm not believing people here. We make 800k with 2 kids - 13% - and no, we're not stretched - we know how to budget our money.

The large majority of private schools in the US are Catholic or Christian, and those cost roughly half what a true independent cost. Taking that into account, some of the percentages are more plausible. That said, it is still a stretch for most.

We make over 5 million/year, so yes. And there are many people like us and many who make much more…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So are there some cheap schools or is everyone making $1M+. If tuition is 50k/yr and you have 2 kids amd that is 5% of income - as many here claim - then you make $2M. I'm not believing people here. We make 800k with 2 kids - 13% - and no, we're not stretched - we know how to budget our money.

The large majority of private schools in the US are Catholic or Christian, and those cost roughly half what a true independent cost. Taking that into account, some of the percentages are more plausible. That said, it is still a stretch for most.

We make over 5 million/year, so yes. And there are many people like us and many who make much more…

I’m quoted PP, and my response back is “so what”? You are in the small minority in the general public and in private schools. I’m actually not even sure what your point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So are there some cheap schools or is everyone making $1M+. If tuition is 50k/yr and you have 2 kids amd that is 5% of income - as many here claim - then you make $2M. I'm not believing people here. We make 800k with 2 kids - 13% - and no, we're not stretched - we know how to budget our money.

The large majority of private schools in the US are Catholic or Christian, and those cost roughly half what a true independent cost. Taking that into account, some of the percentages are more plausible. That said, it is still a stretch for most.

We make over 5 million/year, so yes. And there are many people like us and many who make much more…

I’m quoted PP, and my response back is “so what”? You are in the small minority in the general public and in private schools. I’m actually not even sure what your point.

I think they just wanted to share that they make over 5 million a year. lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So are there some cheap schools or is everyone making $1M+. If tuition is 50k/yr and you have 2 kids amd that is 5% of income - as many here claim - then you make $2M. I'm not believing people here. We make 800k with 2 kids - 13% - and no, we're not stretched - we know how to budget our money.

Lots of real private school families make over $1m.

Not lots, few make that - stats are stats - lies are lies. More people say they do than is statistically possible, even for DC.

The stats actually do support that a ton of people in the region make over $1M. HHI top 1% in DC is 1.24M as of 2025. That alone is 7,000 households in DC proper alone and that's *just* HHI -- that doesn't take into account those who have family money and for whom HHI is irrelevant. And then you add in Maryland and Virginia and you have thousands of families for whom HHI is over $1M, many of whom frequent DCUM.

[Anonymous]

20% of HHI for four kids. 1 in-state college, 2 in Catholic HS, 1 in Catholic k-8. It's hard - we live fairly simply in the "extras" category. Excess money to club sports and the ease of amazon are our only indulgences. Modest family vacations.

[Anonymous]

30% pretax for four kids, so about half the take-home. Writing that check hurts.

What? Lots of kids get tutors for foreign language, test prep, math review or acceleration, executive function, essays…

I guess we send kids to academically-oriented summer camps occasionally, but we're paying through the nose for this school precisely to limit the engagement with outside tutors & reduce the amount of time we spend ploughing information into them, ourselves.

[Anonymous]

The budgeting software says about 25%-30%.
Two government employees. 1 kid in Catholic school. Turbo tax says last year's HHI was about $120,000.
Vacations... what's dat?
Unfortunately for the financial aid we have to factor in the TSP and our house value, which sadly makes us millionaires. We'll never qualify for any scholarships. Was rejected for the diocesan financial aid, twice. I can only hope for the DC RE market to crash or stocks to nosedive, or both in order to get that net worth under a mill.

No tutoring. That would be a waste of money on someone so hard headed. Besides our DS is exhausted after school.

Someone else also pointed out that privates include Catholic parish schools. Not all of us are going to Richie Rich schools. Some of us are sending our children to Catholic schools so they will be in an environment where the love of Christ is primary. Small classes are an added bonus.

The neighborhood school, despite being in walking distance, is industrial sized and a mystery black box since Covid. I wish I did feel more comfortable sending kid to the public elementary school (the high school is a 'oh hell naw' and no one around here sends their kid there on purpose). It would save us a lot of money, but somethings are more important than money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The budgeting software says about 25%-30%.
Two government employees. 1 kid in Catholic school. Turbo tax says last year's HHI was about $120,000.
Vacations... what's dat?
Unfortunately for the financial aid we have to factor in the TSP and our house value, which sadly makes us millionaires. We'll never qualify for any scholarships. Was rejected for the diocesan financial aid, twice. I can only hope for the DC RE market to crash or stocks to nosedive, or both in order to get that net worth under a mill.

No tutoring. That would be a waste of money on someone so hard headed. Besides our DS is exhausted after school.

Someone else also pointed out that privates include Catholic parish schools. Not all of us are going to Richie Rich schools. Some of us are sending our children to Catholic schools so they will be in an environment where the love of Christ is primary. Small classes are an added bonus.

The neighborhood school, despite being in walking distance, is industrial sized and a mystery black box since Covid. I wish I did feel more comfortable sending kid to the public elementary school (the high school is a 'oh hell naw' and no one around here sends their kid there on purpose). It would save us a lot of money, but somethings are more important than money.

This sounds like Alexandria through and through.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So are there some cheap schools or is everyone making $1M+. If tuition is 50k/yr and you have 2 kids amd that is 5% of income - as many here claim - then you make $2M. I'm not believing people here. We make 800k with 2 kids - 13% - and no, we're not stretched - we know how to budget our money.

Lots of real private school families make over $1m.

Not lots, few make that - stats are stats - lies are lies. More people say they do than is statistically possible, even for DC.

I don't think you are running the stats right. There is a lot more overlap between $1m+ earners and those who select private school than you are giving credit for. Plus, we're in a city of lawyers and even relatively junior partners are making 7 figures.

Well, the statistical distribution of income is available for the DC area. The majority of those people are 60+ and are unlikely to have school aged children. So really we are dealing with a small subset. Of that tiny subset only some have school aged children. Of that small subset more people send their kids to private school.

However, of the entire group that writes on this forum, there are more liars than anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:~3.5% of pretax this past year, not including fees, uniforms, shoes.

About the same for us (2 kids)

Another way I justify the cost is that I’m not spending nearly as much on after school tutoring. And there’s more time for play and non-academic pursuits since we aren’t having to do reading comprehension work at home or driving to a tutoring center for math.

Interesting you say that. I thought it would be the same with us but at our big 3 many kids are in tutoring to try to get an edge, which drives the average higher. This has resulted in most kids having a tutor or some outside-school academic work (beyond homework), either to keep an edge or to keep up.

In high school? It’s pretty common to have some outside tutoring in 8-11th, whether public or private.

I always love when folks say something like tutoring pretty common 8-11th, when in reality it is not. If you're constantly having to get a tutor, there is an underlying challenge that needs to be address (deficient in foundation skills, inappropriate class level, teacher problem, etc).

What? Lots of kids get tutors for foreign language, test prep, math review or acceleration, executive function, essays…

Yes, because they are average students punching above their weight. They'd be better served in a lower pressure environment where they can grow self confidence and self worth without the parental/student pressure to be something they aren't. As stated before those tutor payments will turn into therapy bills when they're in their 20s.

What do you have against tutoring? People have no problem putting their kids in specialized athletic coaching but bristle against any mention of academic enrichment! A tutor is just someone who can give your child personal feedback or work with your kid in a small group of students. It doesn’t mean they are behind.

It literally is because your kid cannot keep up. And I have no problem with you doing this to your kids. Go for it!! My kids get straight As without it, so they don't need it. You are the one that will ultimately deal with the consequences of your parenting and pressures. Do what you see fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:~3.5% of pretax this past year, not including fees, uniforms, shoes.

About the same for us (2 kids)

Another way I justify the cost is that I’m not spending nearly as much on after school tutoring. And there’s more time for play and non-academic pursuits since we aren’t having to do reading comprehension work at home or driving to a tutoring center for math.

Interesting you say that. I thought it would be the same with us but at our big 3 many kids are in tutoring to try to get an edge, which drives the average higher. This has resulted in most kids having a tutor or some outside-school academic work (beyond homework), either to keep an edge or to keep up.

In high school? It’s pretty common to have some outside tutoring in 8-11th, whether public or private.

I always love when folks say something like tutoring pretty common 8-11th, when in reality it is not. If you're constantly having to get a tutor, there is an underlying challenge that needs to be address (deficient in foundation skills, inappropriate class level, teacher problem, etc).

What? Lots of kids get tutors for foreign language, test prep, math review or acceleration, executive function, essays…

Yes, because they are average students punching above their weight. They'd be better served in a lower pressure environment where they can grow self confidence and self worth without the parental/student pressure to be something they aren't. As stated before those tutor payments will turn into therapy bills when they're in their 20s.

^stupid statement and largely off topic

Many kids in rigorous academic environments benefit from support. There are a few who get by without any help, but they are either: 1) very self-directed, hard-working, and unusually bright, or 2) not really in a rigorous academic environment.

At my DC’s former middle, a quarter of his classmates now attend a nationally ranked top 10 private. Every one of them has some tutoring help — whether ongoing, through a retired parent, or targeted. Literally all of them.

Don’t make the ridiculous assumption that they “can’t cut it” or “will end up in therapy” just because their parents have the means and foresight to get them extra help. Lastly, therapy is a useful support tool…kind of like tutoring. You should try it.

Hahaha haha!

Seriously, did you read what you wrote? I should say healthy people don't need therapy. Smart, driven people don't need tutors. This is obvious to the most casual observer. You could definitely benefit from therapy and probably parenting classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:~3.5% of pretax this past year, not including fees, uniforms, shoes.

About the same for us (2 kids)

Another way I justify the cost is that I’m not spending nearly as much on after school tutoring. And there’s more time for play and non-academic pursuits since we aren’t having to do reading comprehension work at home or driving to a tutoring center for math.

Interesting you say that. I thought it would be the same with us but at our big 3 many kids are in tutoring to try to get an edge, which drives the average higher. This has resulted in most kids having a tutor or some outside-school academic work (beyond homework), either to keep an edge or to keep up.

In high school? It’s pretty common to have some outside tutoring in 8-11th, whether public or private.

I always love when folks say something like tutoring pretty common 8-11th, when in reality it is not. If you're constantly having to get a tutor, there is an underlying challenge that needs to be address (deficient in foundation skills, inappropriate class level, teacher problem, etc).

Agree.

My 2 straight A students never needed tutoring- ever.

I was a straight A student who didn’t need a tutor. My parents sent me to a writing tutor and she really helped me choose wonderful books (which I remember to this day and bought for my son), helped me think about topics deeply, etc. I didn’t need it from a grades standpoint, but it was wonderfully enriching. I also didn’t need SAT prep but it gave me more confidence and it was a common thing to bond over with friends who also took the class with me one summer. I guess I could have tooled around the mall instead? I did plenty of that on weekends anyway.

Yep, my kids did tool around at the equivalent to a mall. They spent tons of time socializing with friends and 2 out of 4 are productive adults - the other 2 are on their way to being - MS and HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So are there some cheap schools or is everyone making $1M+. If tuition is 50k/yr and you have 2 kids amd that is 5% of income - as many here claim - then you make $2M. I'm not believing people here. We make 800k with 2 kids - 13% - and no, we're not stretched - we know how to budget our money.

I think its funny you "aren't believing people." We have been in two different independent privates and are now in high school. I know a few financial aid kids, especially in high school. But the vast majority of people I came in contact with were high networth and if they weren't, grandparents were footing the bill. You are forgetting about generational wealth and things like bonuses, real estate and stock portfolios. You are correct. A lot of people aren't literally making 2 million dollars a year. Also, YMMV depending on the privates you attend, some attract much wealthier families. Not two lawyers. But heirs to the Marriott fortune, Saudi money, and hedge fund and big law.

The question was about percentage of income. Learn to read.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So are there some cheap schools or is everyone making $1M+. If tuition is 50k/yr and you have 2 kids amd that is 5% of income - as many here claim - then you make $2M. I'm not believing people here. We make 800k with 2 kids - 13% - and no, we're not stretched - we know how to budget our money.

The large majority of private schools in the US are Catholic or Christian, and those cost roughly half what a true independent cost. Taking that into account, some of the percentages are more plausible. That said, it is still a stretch for most.

This makes sense. I was thinking for DC. My 2 kids tuition is 100k+ (not cheap) and it's a stretch for us. We also have a high 6 figure income and still notice this dent.