Private School Cost: New Orleans vs Santa Rosa
New Orleans averages $5,800/year less for private school (49% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $75,400 per child.
Bottom Line
New Orleans is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,800/year vs $17,600/year in Santa Rosa. Religious schools run $7,600/year on the low end.
New Orleans
LA
$11,800
avg tuition/year
Santa Rosa
CA
$17,600
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | New Orleans | Santa Rosa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $11,800/yr | $17,600/yr | -$5,800 |
| Religious Schools | $7,600/yr | $11,400/yr | -$3,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $22,000/yr | $34,200/yr | -$12,200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $9,600/yr | $15,000/yr | -$5,400 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $11,800/yr | $17,600/yr | -$5,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $14,600/yr | $21,100/yr | -$6,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
New Orleans
$153,400
Santa Rosa
$228,800
Choosing New Orleans saves $75,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $150,800.
Sample Schools
New Orleans
Tulane-affiliated University Schools
Independent · PK–12 · $21,400-$23,800/yr
Jesuit High School New Orleans
Catholic · 9–12 · $15,400/yr
Ursuline Academy (New Orleans)
Catholic · 6–12 · $13,200/yr
Brother Martin High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $12,800/yr
Santa Rosa
Cardinal Newman High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $18,200/yr
Rincon Valley Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $10,400-$12,800/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.