Is private school cheaper in Modesto or Rockford?

Rockford has lower average private school tuition at $10,900/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. That's $3,500/year less, or $45,500 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Rockford is $3,500/year less than Modesto. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $45,500 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,400/year in Modesto, $6,900/year in Rockford.

How do Modesto and Rockford 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). Rockford averages $10,900/year ($1,450 below average).

Private School Cost: Modesto vs Rockford

Rockford averages $3,500/year less for private school (32% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $45,500 per child.

Bottom Line

Rockford is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $10,900/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $6,900/year on the low end.

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

Rockford

$10,900

avg tuition/year

$1,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Modesto	Rockford	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$14,400/yr	$10,900/yr	+$3,500
Religious Schools	$9,400/yr	$6,900/yr	+$2,500
Independent/Prep	$28,100/yr	$25,100/yr	+$3,000
Elementary (K-5)	$12,200/yr	$9,300/yr	+$2,900
Middle School (6-8)	$14,400/yr	$10,900/yr	+$3,500
High School (9-12)	$17,300/yr	$13,100/yr	+$4,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Modesto

$187,200

Rockford

$141,700

Choosing Rockford saves $45,500 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $91,000.

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

Rockford

Keith Country Day School

Independent · PK–12 · $11,200-$14,400/yr

Boylan Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,800/yr

Full Modesto breakdown → Full Rockford breakdown →

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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.