Is private school cheaper in Fresno or Modesto?

Fresno has lower average private school tuition at $10,500/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. That's $3,900/year less, or $50,700 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Fresno over Modesto?

Average tuition in Fresno is $3,900/year less than Modesto. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $50,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,000/year in Fresno, $9,400/year in Modesto.

How do Fresno and Modesto private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Fresno averages $10,500/year ($1,850 below average). Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Fresno vs Modesto

Fresno averages $3,900/year less for private school (37% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $50,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Fresno is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,500/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.

Fresno

$10,500

avg tuition/year

$1,850 below national avg

Lower cost

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Fresno	Modesto	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,500/yr	$14,400/yr	-$3,900
Religious Schools	$7,000/yr	$9,400/yr	-$2,400
Independent/Prep	$19,500/yr	$28,100/yr	-$8,600
Elementary (K-5)	$8,600/yr	$12,200/yr	-$3,600
Middle School (6-8)	$10,500/yr	$14,400/yr	-$3,900
High School (9-12)	$12,900/yr	$17,300/yr	-$4,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Fresno

$136,500

Modesto

$187,200

Choosing Fresno saves $50,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $101,400.

Sample Schools

Fresno

Clovis Christian Schools

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$10,800/yr

Central High School (Fresno) (Catholic)

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr

Bullard Talent School

Magnet (Free) · K–8

Fresno Christian Schools

Christian · K–12 · $9,800-$11,400/yr

Modesto

Central Catholic High School (Modesto)

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Modesto Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Fresno breakdown → Full Modesto breakdown →

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.