Is private school cheaper in Independence or Modesto?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. That's $6,300/year less, or $81,900 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $6,300/year less than Modesto. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $81,900 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $9,400/year in Modesto.

How do Independence and Modesto 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). Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs Modesto

Independence averages $6,300/year less for private school (78% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $81,900 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	Modesto	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$14,400/yr	-$6,300
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$9,400/yr	-$3,700
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$28,100/yr	-$9,200
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$12,200/yr	-$5,300
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$14,400/yr	-$6,300
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$17,300/yr	-$7,600

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

Modesto

$187,200

Choosing Independence saves $81,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $163,800.

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

Modesto

Central Catholic High School (Modesto)

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Modesto Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full Modesto breakdown →

Missouri private school costs 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.