Private School Cost: Boulder vs Santa Rosa
Boulder averages $2,400/year less for private school (16% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $31,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Boulder is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $15,200/year vs $17,600/year in Santa Rosa. Religious schools run $9,900/year on the low end.
Boulder
CO
$15,200
avg tuition/year
Santa Rosa
CA
$17,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Boulder | Santa Rosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,200/yr | $17,600/yr | -$2,400 |
| Religious Schools | $9,900/yr | $11,400/yr | -$1,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $29,900/yr | $34,200/yr | -$4,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,900/yr | $15,000/yr | -$2,100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,200/yr | $17,600/yr | -$2,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,200/yr | $21,100/yr | -$2,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Boulder
$197,600
Santa Rosa
$228,800
Choosing Boulder saves $31,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $62,400.
Sample Schools
Boulder
Naropa University Lab School
Independent · K–8 · $18,400/yr
Dawson School
Independent · PK–12 · $26,800/yr
Santa Rosa
Cardinal Newman High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,200/yr
Rincon Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr
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.