Is private school cheaper in McKinney or Modesto?

McKinney has lower average private school tuition at $12,600/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. That's $1,800/year less, or $23,400 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in McKinney is $1,800/year less than Modesto. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $23,400 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $8,600/year in McKinney, $9,400/year in Modesto.

How do McKinney and Modesto private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. McKinney averages $12,600/year ($250 above average). Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average).

Private School Cost: McKinney vs Modesto

McKinney averages $1,800/year less for private school (14% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $23,400 per child.

Bottom Line

McKinney is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $12,600/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $8,600/year on the low end.

McKinney

$12,600

avg tuition/year

$250 above national avg

Lower cost

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	McKinney	Modesto	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$12,600/yr	$14,400/yr	-$1,800
Religious Schools	$8,600/yr	$9,400/yr	-$800
Independent/Prep	$26,600/yr	$28,100/yr	-$1,500
Elementary (K-5)	$10,700/yr	$12,200/yr	-$1,500
Middle School (6-8)	$12,600/yr	$14,400/yr	-$1,800
High School (9-12)	$15,100/yr	$17,300/yr	-$2,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

McKinney

$163,800

Modesto

$187,200

Choosing McKinney saves $23,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $46,800.

Sample Schools

McKinney

Calvary Christian Academy (McKinney)

Christian · PK–12 · $10,200-$12,800/yr

McKinney Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/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 McKinney breakdown → Full Modesto breakdown →

Texas 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.