Private School Cost in Santa Barbara 2026
Private schools in Santa Barbara average $22,800/year. 85% above national avg. Religious schools run $12,000/year; independent schools average $36,000/year.
City Average
$22,800
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,900
per month
Private Schools
55
in Santa Barbara
vs National
+$10,450
per year
Private School Tuition by Grade in Santa Barbara (2026)
Estimated from city average and national grade-level differentials
Elementary School (K–5)
Religious and parish schools bring the lower end down.
$18,800/yr
~$1,566/mo
Middle School (6–8)
Near the city average — most K–8 schools report blended rates.
$22,800/yr
~$1,900/mo
High School (9–12)
Prep school premium; college counseling and athletics raise the cost.
$28,000/yr
~$2,333/mo
Tuition by School Type in Santa Barbara
Average annual tuition, 2026 data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$12,000/yr
+50% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$36,000/yr
+44% vs national ($25,000)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$22,800/yr
+85% vs national ($12,350)
Tuition Range in Santa Barbara
Starting From
$8,000
Parish and religious schools
City Average
$22,800
Typical school
Top End
$46,000+
Elite prep schools
Most Santa Barbara private schools fall between $8,000 and $46,000/year. Contact each school directly for exact figures — tuition varies by grade and financial aid applied.
Private Schools in Santa Barbara: 2026 Tuition Data
Representative schools — tuition figures from school websites and NCES. Verify with each school before applying.
| School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Cate School | $42,800–$72,400 |
| Laguna Blanca School | $34,600–$37,200 |
| Crane Country Day School | $32,400–$34,800 |
| Santa Barbara Christian School | $10,800–$12,600 |
| Our Lady of Guadalupe School | $9,200–$10,800 |
| Bishop Garcia Diego High School | $14,800 |
Tuition data sourced from school websites (2025–26 academic year). Financial aid can reduce the net cost substantially — ask each school about aid availability.
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