Is private school cheaper in Fresno or Tucson?

Fresno has lower average private school tuition at $10,500/year vs $10,800/year in Tucson. That's $300/year less, or $3,900 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Fresno is $300/year less than Tucson. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $3,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,000/year in Fresno, $7,200/year in Tucson.

How do Fresno and Tucson 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). Tucson averages $10,800/year ($1,550 below average).

Private School Cost: Fresno vs Tucson

Fresno averages $300/year less for private school (3% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $3,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Fresno is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,500/year vs $10,800/year in Tucson. Religious schools run $7,000/year on the low end.

Fresno

$10,500

avg tuition/year

$1,850 below national avg

Lower cost

Tucson

$10,800

avg tuition/year

$1,550 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Fresno	Tucson	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$10,500/yr	$10,800/yr	-$300
Religious Schools	$7,000/yr	$7,200/yr	-$200
Independent/Prep	$19,500/yr	$20,500/yr	-$1,000
Elementary (K-5)	$8,600/yr	$8,800/yr	-$200
Middle School (6-8)	$10,500/yr	$10,800/yr	-$300
High School (9-12)	$12,900/yr	$13,400/yr	-$500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Fresno

$136,500

Tucson

$140,400

Choosing Fresno saves $3,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $7,800.

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

Tucson

Basis Tucson North

Charter (Free) · 5–12

Salpointe Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr

Pusch Ridge Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $10,200-$11,800/yr

Tanque Verde School

Public District · K–12

Full Fresno breakdown → Full Tucson breakdown →

California private school costs Arizona 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.