Private School Cost: Modesto vs Pomona
Modesto averages $1,000/year less for private school (7% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $13,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Modesto is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $14,400/year vs $15,400/year in Pomona. Religious schools run $9,400/year on the low end.
Modesto
CA
$14,400
avg tuition/year
Pomona
CA
$15,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Modesto | Pomona | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $14,400/yr | $15,400/yr | -$1,000 |
| Religious Schools | $9,400/yr | $10,000/yr | -$600 |
| Independent/Prep | $28,100/yr | $29,900/yr | -$1,800 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,200/yr | $13,100/yr | -$900 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $14,400/yr | $15,400/yr | -$1,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $17,300/yr | $18,500/yr | -$1,200 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Modesto
$187,200
Pomona
$200,200
Choosing Modesto saves $13,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $26,000.
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
Pomona
St. Joseph High School (Pomona)
Catholic · 9–12 · $11,800/yr
Valley View Community Church School
Christian · K–8 · $8,400-$10,200/yr
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.