Private School Cost: Jersey City vs St. Louis
St. Louis averages $7,900/year less for private school (61% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $102,700 per child.
Bottom Line
St. Louis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,000/year vs $20,900/year in Jersey City. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.
Jersey City
NJ
$20,900
avg tuition/year
St. Louis
MO
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Jersey City | St. Louis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $20,900/yr | $13,000/yr | +$7,900 |
| Religious Schools | $13,500/yr | $8,400/yr | +$5,100 |
| Independent/Prep | $44,800/yr | $24,500/yr | +$20,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,800/yr | $10,600/yr | +$7,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $20,900/yr | $13,000/yr | +$7,900 |
| High School (9-12) | $25,100/yr | $16,000/yr | +$9,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Jersey City
$271,700
St. Louis
$169,000
Choosing St. Louis saves $102,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $205,400.
Sample Schools
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
St. Louis
John Burroughs School
Independent · 7–12 · $28,400-$30,800/yr
MICDS (Mary Institute and Country Day School)
Independent · JK–12 · $30,200-$32,800/yr
Chaminade College Preparatory
Catholic · 6–12 · $16,800/yr
St. Louis University High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr
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.