Is private school cheaper in Bridgeport or Cleveland?

Cleveland has lower average private school tuition at $11,200/year vs $23,100/year in Bridgeport. That's $11,900/year less, or $154,700 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Cleveland over Bridgeport?

Average tuition in Cleveland is $11,900/year less than Bridgeport. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $154,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $12,700/year in Bridgeport, $7,400/year in Cleveland.

How do Bridgeport and Cleveland private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Bridgeport averages $23,100/year ($10,750 above average). Cleveland averages $11,200/year ($1,150 below average).

Private School Cost: Bridgeport vs Cleveland

Cleveland averages $11,900/year less for private school (106% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $154,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Cleveland is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,200/year vs $23,100/year in Bridgeport. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.

Bridgeport

$23,100

avg tuition/year

$10,750 above national avg

Cleveland

$11,200

avg tuition/year

$1,150 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Bridgeport	Cleveland	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$23,100/yr	$11,200/yr	+$11,900
Religious Schools	$12,700/yr	$7,400/yr	+$5,300
Independent/Prep	$45,900/yr	$21,000/yr	+$24,900
Elementary (K-5)	$19,600/yr	$9,200/yr	+$10,400
Middle School (6-8)	$23,100/yr	$11,200/yr	+$11,900
High School (9-12)	$27,700/yr	$13,800/yr	+$13,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Bridgeport

$300,300

Cleveland

$145,600

Choosing Cleveland saves $154,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $309,400.

Sample Schools

Bridgeport

Fairfield Prep

Catholic · 9–12 · $22,800/yr

Academy of Our Lady of Mercy

Catholic · PK–12 · $14,800/yr

Cleveland

University School (Cleveland)

Independent · JK–12 · $26,400-$28,800/yr

Laurel School (Cleveland)

Independent · PK–12 · $24,800-$27,200/yr

St. Ignatius High School (Cleveland)

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr

St. Edward High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/yr

Full Bridgeport breakdown → Full Cleveland breakdown →

Connecticut private school costs Ohio private school costs

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.