Is private school cheaper in Pasadena or Paterson?

Pasadena has lower average private school tuition at $11,200/year vs $18,100/year in Paterson. That's $6,900/year less, or $89,700 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Pasadena over Paterson?

Average tuition in Pasadena is $6,900/year less than Paterson. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $89,700 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $7,600/year in Pasadena, $11,700/year in Paterson.

How do Pasadena and Paterson private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Pasadena averages $11,200/year ($1,150 below average). Paterson averages $18,100/year ($5,750 above average).

Private School Cost: Pasadena vs Paterson

Pasadena averages $6,900/year less for private school (62% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $89,700 per child.

Bottom Line

Pasadena is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $11,200/year vs $18,100/year in Paterson. Religious schools run $7,600/year on the low end.

Pasadena

$11,200

avg tuition/year

$1,150 below national avg

Lower cost

Paterson

$18,100

avg tuition/year

$5,750 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Pasadena	Paterson	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$11,200/yr	$18,100/yr	-$6,900
Religious Schools	$7,600/yr	$11,700/yr	-$4,100
Independent/Prep	$23,700/yr	$38,700/yr	-$15,000
Elementary (K-5)	$9,500/yr	$15,400/yr	-$5,900
Middle School (6-8)	$11,200/yr	$18,100/yr	-$6,900
High School (9-12)	$13,400/yr	$21,700/yr	-$8,300

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Pasadena

$145,600

Paterson

$235,300

Choosing Pasadena saves $89,700 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $179,400.

Sample Schools

Pasadena

San Jacinto Christian Academy

Christian · K–12 · $8,400-$10,200/yr

Blessed Sacrament School (Pasadena)

Catholic · K–8 · $7,800-$9,400/yr

Paterson

Paramus Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/yr

St. Philip the Apostle School

Catholic · K–8 · $10,200-$12,400/yr

Full Pasadena breakdown → Full Paterson breakdown →

Texas 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.