Private School Cost: Boston vs South Bend
South Bend averages $29,400/year less for private school (397% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $382,200 per child.
Bottom Line
South Bend is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,400/year vs $36,800/year in Boston. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.
Boston
MA
$36,800
avg tuition/year
South Bend
IN
$7,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boston | South Bend | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $36,800/yr | $7,400/yr | +$29,400 |
| Religious Schools | $18,500/yr | $5,500/yr | +$13,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $56,000/yr | $15,400/yr | +$40,600 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $30,000/yr | $6,300/yr | +$23,700 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $36,800/yr | $7,400/yr | +$29,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $46,000/yr | $8,900/yr | +$37,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boston
$478,400
South Bend
$96,200
Choosing South Bend saves $382,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $764,400.
Sample Schools
Boston
Boston Latin School (Exam)
Exam School (Public) · 7–12
Roxbury Latin School
Independent (need-based) · 7–12
Belmont Hill School
Independent · 7–12 · $59,800/yr
Boston College High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $23,100/yr
South Bend
Saint Joseph High School (South Bend)
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,600/yr
South Bend STEM Academy
Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr
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About This Comparison
This comparison uses NCES Private School Universe Survey data, adjusted for metro-level cost-of-living differences. "Average tuition" blends religious schools (Catholic, Christian) and independent day/prep schools. Religious schools typically cost 60-70% less than independent schools in the same city.
Grade-level estimates (elementary, middle, high) are derived from the city average using national grade-level multipliers. High school tuition typically runs 15-25% above the city average; elementary runs 10-20% below.