Private School Cost: Lowell vs San Bernardino
San Bernardino averages $9,800/year less for private school (71% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $127,400 per child.
Bottom Line
San Bernardino is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,800/year vs $23,600/year in Lowell. Religious schools run $9,000/year on the low end.
Lowell
MA
$23,600
avg tuition/year
San Bernardino
CA
$13,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Lowell | San Bernardino | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $23,600/yr | $13,800/yr | +$9,800 |
| Religious Schools | $12,800/yr | $9,000/yr | +$3,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $48,100/yr | $26,800/yr | +$21,300 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $20,100/yr | $11,700/yr | +$8,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $23,600/yr | $13,800/yr | +$9,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $28,300/yr | $16,600/yr | +$11,700 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Lowell
$306,800
San Bernardino
$179,400
Choosing San Bernardino saves $127,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $254,800.
Sample Schools
Lowell
Lowell Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,400/yr
St. Michael Academy (Lowell)
Catholic · K–8 · $10,800-$12,800/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
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.