Is private school cheaper in Elgin or Hayward?

Elgin has lower average private school tuition at $11,700/year vs $19,100/year in Hayward. That's $7,400/year less, or $96,200 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Elgin is $7,400/year less than Hayward. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $96,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,400/year in Elgin, $12,400/year in Hayward.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Elgin averages $11,700/year ($650 below average). Hayward averages $19,100/year ($6,750 above average).

Private School Cost: Elgin vs Hayward

Elgin averages $7,400/year less for private school (63% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $96,200 per child.

Bottom Line

Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $19,100/year in Hayward. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.

Elgin

$11,700

avg tuition/year

$650 below national avg

Lower cost

Hayward

$19,100

avg tuition/year

$6,750 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Elgin	Hayward	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,700/yr	$19,100/yr	-$7,400
Religious Schools	$7,400/yr	$12,400/yr	-$5,000
Independent/Prep	$27,100/yr	$37,200/yr	-$10,100
Elementary (K-5)	$9,900/yr	$16,200/yr	-$6,300
Middle School (6-8)	$11,700/yr	$19,100/yr	-$7,400
High School (9-12)	$14,000/yr	$22,900/yr	-$8,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Elgin

$152,100

Hayward

$248,300

Choosing Elgin saves $96,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $192,400.

Sample Schools

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

Hayward

Moreau Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $22,400/yr

Calvary Christian Academy (Hayward)

Christian · K–12 · $12,800-$14,600/yr

Full Elgin breakdown → Full Hayward breakdown →

Illinois private school costs California 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.