Is private school cheaper in Paterson or Phoenix?

Phoenix has lower average private school tuition at $13,400/year vs $18,100/year in Paterson. That's $4,700/year less, or $61,100 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Phoenix is $4,700/year less than Paterson. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $61,100 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $11,700/year in Paterson, $8,600/year in Phoenix.

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

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Paterson averages $18,100/year ($5,750 above average). Phoenix averages $13,400/year ($1,050 above average).

Private School Cost: Paterson vs Phoenix

Phoenix averages $4,700/year less for private school (35% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $61,100 per child.

Bottom Line

Phoenix is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,400/year vs $18,100/year in Paterson. Religious schools run $8,600/year on the low end.

Paterson

$18,100

avg tuition/year

$5,750 above national avg

Phoenix

$13,400

avg tuition/year

$1,050 above national avg

Lower cost

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Paterson	Phoenix	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,100/yr	$13,400/yr	+$4,700
Religious Schools	$11,700/yr	$8,600/yr	+$3,100
Independent/Prep	$38,700/yr	$24,500/yr	+$14,200
Elementary (K-5)	$15,400/yr	$11,000/yr	+$4,400
Middle School (6-8)	$18,100/yr	$13,400/yr	+$4,700
High School (9-12)	$21,700/yr	$16,500/yr	+$5,200

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Paterson

$235,300

Phoenix

$174,200

Choosing Phoenix saves $61,100 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $122,200.

Sample Schools

Paterson

Paramus Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/yr

St. Philip the Apostle School

Catholic · K–8 · $10,200-$12,400/yr

Phoenix

Brophy College Preparatory

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,800/yr

Xavier College Preparatory

Catholic · 9–12 · $17,400/yr

Scottsdale Preparatory Academy

Independent · 6–12 · $12,800-$14,200/yr

Notre Dame Preparatory High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $16,200/yr

Full Paterson breakdown → Full Phoenix breakdown →

New Jersey private school costs Arizona private school costs

Related Comparisons

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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.