Is private school cheaper in Modesto or St. Louis?

St. Louis has lower average private school tuition at $13,000/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. That's $1,400/year less, or $18,200 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing St. Louis over Modesto?

Average tuition in St. Louis is $1,400/year less than Modesto. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $18,200 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $9,400/year in Modesto, $8,400/year in St. Louis.

How do Modesto and St. Louis 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). St. Louis averages $13,000/year ($650 above average).

Private School Cost: Modesto vs St. Louis

St. Louis averages $1,400/year less for private school (11% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $18,200 per child.

Bottom Line

St. Louis is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,000/year vs $14,400/year in Modesto. Religious schools run $8,400/year on the low end.

Modesto

$14,400

avg tuition/year

$2,050 above national avg

St. Louis

$13,000

avg tuition/year

$650 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Modesto	St. Louis	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$14,400/yr	$13,000/yr	+$1,400
Religious Schools	$9,400/yr	$8,400/yr	+$1,000
Independent/Prep	$28,100/yr	$24,500/yr	+$3,600
Elementary (K-5)	$12,200/yr	$10,600/yr	+$1,600
Middle School (6-8)	$14,400/yr	$13,000/yr	+$1,400
High School (9-12)	$17,300/yr	$16,000/yr	+$1,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Modesto

$187,200

St. Louis

$169,000

Choosing St. Louis saves $18,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $36,400.

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

St. Louis

John Burroughs School

Independent · 7–12 · $28,400-$30,800/yr

MICDS (Mary Institute and Country Day School)

Independent · JK–12 · $30,200-$32,800/yr

Chaminade College Preparatory

Catholic · 6–12 · $16,800/yr

St. Louis University High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr

Full Modesto breakdown → Full St. Louis 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.