Is private school cheaper in Modesto or Newark?

Modesto has lower average private school tuition at $14,400/year vs $19,300/year in Newark. That's $4,900/year less, or $63,700 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Modesto is $4,900/year less than Newark. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $63,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,400/year in Modesto, $12,400/year in Newark.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Modesto averages $14,400/year ($2,050 above average). Newark averages $19,300/year ($6,950 above average).

Private School Cost: Modesto vs Newark

Modesto averages $4,900/year less for private school (34% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $63,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Modesto is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $14,400/year vs $19,300/year in Newark. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Lower cost

Newark

$19,300

avg tuition/year

$6,950 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Modesto	Newark	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$14,400/yr	$19,300/yr	-$4,900
Religious Schools	$9,400/yr	$12,400/yr	-$3,000
Independent/Prep	$28,100/yr	$41,200/yr	-$13,100
Elementary (K-5)	$12,200/yr	$16,400/yr	-$4,200
Middle School (6-8)	$14,400/yr	$19,300/yr	-$4,900
High School (9-12)	$17,300/yr	$23,200/yr	-$5,900

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Modesto

$187,200

Newark

$250,900

Choosing Modesto saves $63,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $127,400.

Sample Schools

Modesto

Central Catholic High School (Modesto)

Catholic · 9–12 · $11,200/yr

Modesto Christian School

Christian · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/yr

Newark

Seton Hall Preparatory School

Catholic · 9–12 · $22,400/yr

Newark Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $38,400/yr

Full Modesto breakdown → Full Newark breakdown →

California private school costs New Jersey 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.