Is private school cheaper in Minneapolis or Modesto?

Modesto has lower average private school tuition at $14,400/year vs $15,000/year in Minneapolis. That's $600/year less, or $7,800 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Modesto is $600/year less than Minneapolis. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $7,800 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,200/year in Minneapolis, $9,400/year in Modesto.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Minneapolis averages $15,000/year ($2,650 above average). Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Minneapolis vs Modesto

Modesto averages $600/year less for private school (4% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $7,800 per child.

Bottom Line

Modesto is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $14,400/year vs $15,000/year in Minneapolis. Religious schools run $9,200/year on the low end.

Minneapolis

$15,000

avg tuition/year

$2,650 above national avg

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Minneapolis	Modesto	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$15,000/yr	$14,400/yr	+$600
Religious Schools	$9,200/yr	$9,400/yr	-$200
Independent/Prep	$27,500/yr	$28,100/yr	-$600
Elementary (K-5)	$12,200/yr	$12,200/yr	Same
Middle School (6-8)	$15,000/yr	$14,400/yr	+$600
High School (9-12)	$18,500/yr	$17,300/yr	+$1,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Minneapolis

$195,000

Modesto

$187,200

Choosing Modesto saves $7,800 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $15,600.

Sample Schools

Minneapolis

Blake School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,800-$37,200/yr

Breck School

Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr

Minnehaha Academy

Christian · PK–12 · $16,200-$17,800/yr

De La Salle High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/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 Minneapolis breakdown → Full Modesto breakdown →

Minnesota 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.