Is private school cheaper in Independence or Jersey City?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $20,900/year in Jersey City. That's $12,800/year less, or $166,400 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Independence over Jersey City?

Average tuition in Independence is $12,800/year less than Jersey City. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $166,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $13,500/year in Jersey City.

How do Independence and Jersey City private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Independence averages $8,100/year ($4,250 below average). Jersey City averages $20,900/year ($8,550 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Jersey City

Independence averages $12,800/year less for private school (158% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $166,400 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $20,900/year in Jersey City. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Jersey City

$20,900

avg tuition/year

$8,550 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Jersey City	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$20,900/yr	-$12,800
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$13,500/yr	-$7,800
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$44,800/yr	-$25,900
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$17,800/yr	-$10,900
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$20,900/yr	-$12,800
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$25,100/yr	-$15,400

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Jersey City

$271,700

Choosing Independence saves $166,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $332,800.

Sample Schools

Independence

Van Horn Academy (Independence MO)

Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Truman Academy

Independent · K–12 · $8,400-$10,400/yr

Jersey City

Hudson Catholic Regional High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Saint Aloysius Academy (Jersey City)

Catholic · K–8 · $10,800-$12,800/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Jersey City breakdown →

Missouri private school costs New Jersey 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.