Private School Cost: Elgin vs Santa Rosa
Elgin averages $5,900/year less for private school (50% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $76,700 per child.
Bottom Line
Elgin is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,700/year vs $17,600/year in Santa Rosa. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.
Elgin
IL
$11,700
avg tuition/year
Santa Rosa
CA
$17,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Elgin | Santa Rosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,700/yr | $17,600/yr | -$5,900 |
| Religious Schools | $7,400/yr | $11,400/yr | -$4,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $27,100/yr | $34,200/yr | -$7,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,900/yr | $15,000/yr | -$5,100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,700/yr | $17,600/yr | -$5,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,000/yr | $21,100/yr | -$7,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Elgin
$152,100
Santa Rosa
$228,800
Choosing Elgin saves $76,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $153,400.
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
Santa Rosa
Cardinal Newman High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,200/yr
Rincon Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/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.