Is private school cheaper in Independence or San Bernardino?

Independence has lower average private school tuition at $8,100/year vs $13,800/year in San Bernardino. That's $5,700/year less, or $74,100 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Independence is $5,700/year less than San Bernardino. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $74,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $5,700/year in Independence, $9,000/year in San Bernardino.

How do Independence and San Bernardino 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). San Bernardino averages $13,800/year ($1,450 above average).

Private School Cost: Independence vs San Bernardino

Independence averages $5,700/year less for private school (70% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $74,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Independence is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $8,100/year vs $13,800/year in San Bernardino. Religious schools run $5,700/year on the low end.

Independence

$8,100

avg tuition/year

$4,250 below national avg

Lower cost

San Bernardino

$13,800

avg tuition/year

$1,450 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Independence	San Bernardino	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$8,100/yr	$13,800/yr	-$5,700
Religious Schools	$5,700/yr	$9,000/yr	-$3,300
Independent/Prep	$18,900/yr	$26,800/yr	-$7,900
Elementary (K-5)	$6,900/yr	$11,700/yr	-$4,800
Middle School (6-8)	$8,100/yr	$13,800/yr	-$5,700
High School (9-12)	$9,700/yr	$16,600/yr	-$6,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Independence

$105,300

San Bernardino

$179,400

Choosing Independence saves $74,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $148,200.

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

San Bernardino

Our Lady of the Assumption School

Catholic · PK–8 · $8,400-$10,200/yr

San Bernardino Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,200/yr

Full Independence breakdown → Full San Bernardino breakdown →

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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.