Private School Cost: Kansas City vs Paterson
Kansas City averages $5,300/year less for private school (41% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $68,900 per child.
Bottom Line
Kansas City is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,800/year vs $18,100/year in Paterson. Religious schools run $8,200/year on the low end.
Kansas City
MO
$12,800
avg tuition/year
Paterson
NJ
$18,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Kansas City | Paterson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $12,800/yr | $18,100/yr | -$5,300 |
| Religious Schools | $8,200/yr | $11,700/yr | -$3,500 |
| Independent/Prep | $24,000/yr | $38,700/yr | -$14,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $10,400/yr | $15,400/yr | -$5,000 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $12,800/yr | $18,100/yr | -$5,300 |
| High School (9-12) | $15,800/yr | $21,700/yr | -$5,900 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Kansas City
$166,400
Paterson
$235,300
Choosing Kansas City saves $68,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $137,800.
Sample Schools
Kansas City
Pembroke Hill School
Independent · PK–12 · $24,800-$26,400/yr
Rockhurst High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr
Bishop Miege High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr
St. Teresa's Academy (KC)
Catholic · 9–12 · $13,800/yr
Paterson
Paramus Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/yr
St. Philip the Apostle School
Catholic · K–8 · $10,200-$12,400/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.