Is private school cheaper in Chula Vista or Elgin?

Elgin has lower average private school tuition at $11,700/year vs $17,200/year in Chula Vista. That's $5,500/year less, or $71,500 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Elgin over Chula Vista?

Average tuition in Elgin is $5,500/year less than Chula Vista. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $71,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $11,200/year in Chula Vista, $7,400/year in Elgin.

How do Chula Vista and Elgin private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Chula Vista averages $17,200/year ($4,850 above average). Elgin averages $11,700/year ($650 below average).

Private School Cost: Chula Vista vs Elgin

Elgin averages $5,500/year less for private school (47% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $71,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $17,200/year in Chula Vista. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.

Chula Vista

$17,200

avg tuition/year

$4,850 above national avg

Elgin

$11,700

avg tuition/year

$650 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Chula Vista	Elgin	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$17,200/yr	$11,700/yr	+$5,500
Religious Schools	$11,200/yr	$7,400/yr	+$3,800
Independent/Prep	$33,600/yr	$27,100/yr	+$6,500
Elementary (K-5)	$14,600/yr	$9,900/yr	+$4,700
Middle School (6-8)	$17,200/yr	$11,700/yr	+$5,500
High School (9-12)	$20,600/yr	$14,000/yr	+$6,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Chula Vista

$223,600

Elgin

$152,100

Choosing Elgin saves $71,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $143,000.

Sample Schools

Chula Vista

Mater Dei Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,600/yr

Olympian High School (Private)

Independent · 9–12 · $12,800/yr

Elgin

Timothy Christian Schools (Elgin)

Christian · K–12 · $11,200-$13,800/yr

St. Edward Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Full Chula Vista breakdown → Full Elgin breakdown →

California private school costs Illinois 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.