Is private school cheaper in Minneapolis or San Jose?

Minneapolis has lower average private school tuition at $15,000/year vs $25,200/year in San Jose. That's $10,200/year less, or $132,600 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Minneapolis is $10,200/year less than San Jose. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $132,600 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,200/year in Minneapolis, $13,800/year in San Jose.

How do Minneapolis and San Jose 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). San Jose averages $25,200/year ($12,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Minneapolis vs San Jose

Minneapolis averages $10,200/year less for private school (68% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $132,600 per child.

Bottom Line

Minneapolis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $15,000/year vs $25,200/year in San Jose. Religious schools run $9,200/year on the low end.

Minneapolis

$15,000

avg tuition/year

$2,650 above national avg

Lower cost

San Jose

$25,200

avg tuition/year

$12,850 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Minneapolis	San Jose	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$15,000/yr	$25,200/yr	-$10,200
Religious Schools	$9,200/yr	$13,800/yr	-$4,600
Independent/Prep	$27,500/yr	$40,500/yr	-$13,000
Elementary (K-5)	$12,200/yr	$20,500/yr	-$8,300
Middle School (6-8)	$15,000/yr	$25,200/yr	-$10,200
High School (9-12)	$18,500/yr	$31,200/yr	-$12,700

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Minneapolis

$195,000

San Jose

$327,600

Choosing Minneapolis saves $132,600 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $265,200.

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

San Jose

Harker School

Independent · K–12 · $48,200-$51,600/yr

Bellarmine College Preparatory

Catholic · 9–12 · $22,800/yr

Archbishop Mitty High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $21,400/yr

Presentation High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $20,800/yr

Full Minneapolis breakdown → Full San Jose breakdown →

Minnesota private school costs California private school costs

Related Comparisons

Los Angeles vs San Jose → San Francisco vs San Jose → Minneapolis vs Columbus →

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.