Is private school cheaper in Milwaukee or Modesto?

Milwaukee has lower average private school tuition at $11,200/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. That's $3,200/year less, or $41,600 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Milwaukee is $3,200/year less than Modesto. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $41,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,400/year in Milwaukee, $9,400/year in Modesto.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Milwaukee averages $11,200/year ($1,150 below average). Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Milwaukee vs Modesto

Milwaukee averages $3,200/year less for private school (29% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $41,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Milwaukee is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,200/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $7,400/year on the low end.

Milwaukee

$11,200

avg tuition/year

$1,150 below national avg

Lower cost

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Milwaukee	Modesto	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,200/yr	$14,400/yr	-$3,200
Religious Schools	$7,400/yr	$9,400/yr	-$2,000
Independent/Prep	$21,000/yr	$28,100/yr	-$7,100
Elementary (K-5)	$9,200/yr	$12,200/yr	-$3,000
Middle School (6-8)	$11,200/yr	$14,400/yr	-$3,200
High School (9-12)	$13,800/yr	$17,300/yr	-$3,500

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Milwaukee

$145,600

Modesto

$187,200

Choosing Milwaukee saves $41,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $83,200.

Sample Schools

Milwaukee

University School of Milwaukee

Independent · PK–12 · $22,800-$25,200/yr

Milwaukee University School

Independent · PK–12 · $21,400/yr

Marquette University High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Divine Savior Holy Angels High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $13,200/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 Milwaukee breakdown → Full Modesto breakdown →

Wisconsin private school costs California private school costs

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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.