Private School Cost: Elgin vs Rochester
Elgin averages $6,400/year less for private school (55% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $83,200 per child.
Bottom Line
Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $18,100/year in Rochester. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.
Elgin
IL
$11,700
avg tuition/year
Rochester
NY
$18,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Elgin | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,700/yr | $18,100/yr | -$6,400 |
| Religious Schools | $7,400/yr | $10,400/yr | -$3,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $27,100/yr | $38,500/yr | -$11,400 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,900/yr | $15,400/yr | -$5,500 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,700/yr | $18,100/yr | -$6,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,000/yr | $21,700/yr | -$7,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Elgin
$152,100
Rochester
$235,300
Choosing Elgin saves $83,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $166,400.
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
Rochester
McQuaid Jesuit High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr
Allendale Columbia School
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/yr
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.