Private School Cost: Bridgeport vs Chicago
Chicago averages $4,700/year less for private school (26% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $61,100 per child.
Bottom Line
Chicago is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,400/year vs $23,100/year in Bridgeport. Religious schools run $10,200/year on the low end.
Bridgeport
CT
$23,100
avg tuition/year
Chicago
IL
$18,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Bridgeport | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $23,100/yr | $18,400/yr | +$4,700 |
| Religious Schools | $12,700/yr | $10,200/yr | +$2,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $45,900/yr | $32,000/yr | +$13,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $19,600/yr | $15,000/yr | +$4,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $23,100/yr | $18,400/yr | +$4,700 |
| High School (9-12) | $27,700/yr | $22,800/yr | +$4,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Bridgeport
$300,300
Chicago
$239,200
Choosing Chicago saves $61,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $122,200.
Sample Schools
Bridgeport
Fairfield Prep
Catholic · 9–12 · $22,800/yr
Academy of Our Lady of Mercy
Catholic · PK–12 · $14,800/yr
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Independent · JK–12 · $38,040/yr
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Independent · N–12 · $35,700-$38,200/yr
Francis W. Parker School
Independent · JK–12 · $36,800/yr
St. Ignatius College Prep (Chicago)
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,400/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.