Is private school cheaper in Centennial or Paterson?

Centennial has lower average private school tuition at $13,700/year vs $18,100/year in Paterson. That's $4,400/year less, or $57,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Centennial over Paterson?

Average tuition in Centennial is $4,400/year less than Paterson. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $57,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,900/year in Centennial, $11,700/year in Paterson.

How do Centennial and Paterson private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Centennial averages $13,700/year ($1,350 above average). Paterson averages $18,100/year ($5,750 above average).

Private School Cost: Centennial vs Paterson

Centennial averages $4,400/year less for private school (32% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $57,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Centennial is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,700/year vs $18,100/year in Paterson. Religious schools run $8,900/year on the low end.

Centennial

$13,700

avg tuition/year

$1,350 above national avg

Lower cost

Paterson

$18,100

avg tuition/year

$5,750 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Centennial	Paterson	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$13,700/yr	$18,100/yr	-$4,400
Religious Schools	$8,900/yr	$11,700/yr	-$2,800
Independent/Prep	$27,000/yr	$38,700/yr	-$11,700
Elementary (K-5)	$11,600/yr	$15,400/yr	-$3,800
Middle School (6-8)	$13,700/yr	$18,100/yr	-$4,400
High School (9-12)	$16,400/yr	$21,700/yr	-$5,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Centennial

$178,100

Paterson

$235,300

Choosing Centennial saves $57,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $114,400.

Sample Schools

Centennial

Arapahoe Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/yr

Cherry Creek Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$12,200/yr

Paterson

Paramus Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/yr

St. Philip the Apostle School

Catholic · K–8 · $10,200-$12,400/yr

Full Centennial breakdown → Full Paterson breakdown →

Colorado private school costs New Jersey 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.