Private School Cost: Denver vs Santa Rosa
Denver averages $1,200/year less for private school (7% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $15,600 per child.
Bottom Line
Denver is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $16,400/year vs $17,600/year in Santa Rosa. Religious schools run $9,800/year on the low end.
Denver
CO
$16,400
avg tuition/year
Santa Rosa
CA
$17,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Denver | Santa Rosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $16,400/yr | $17,600/yr | -$1,200 |
| Religious Schools | $9,800/yr | $11,400/yr | -$1,600 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,500/yr | $34,200/yr | -$5,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $13,500/yr | $15,000/yr | -$1,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $16,400/yr | $17,600/yr | -$1,200 |
| High School (9-12) | $20,200/yr | $21,100/yr | -$900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Denver
$213,200
Santa Rosa
$228,800
Choosing Denver saves $15,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $31,200.
Sample Schools
Denver
Kent Denver School
Independent · 6–12 · $35,200-$37,800/yr
Colorado Academy
Independent · PK–12 · $33,800-$36,400/yr
Regis Jesuit High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,800/yr
Mullen High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/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
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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.