Is private school cheaper in Paterson or Portland?

Paterson has lower average private school tuition at $18,100/year vs $18,200/year in Portland. That's $100/year less, or $1,300 over a K-12 career.

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

Average tuition in Paterson is $100/year less than Portland. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $1,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $11,700/year in Paterson, $10,400/year in Portland.

How do Paterson and Portland 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). Portland averages $18,200/year ($5,850 above average).

Private School Cost: Paterson vs Portland

Paterson averages $100/year less for private school (1% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $1,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Paterson is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $18,100/year vs $18,200/year in Portland. Religious schools run $10,400/year on the low end.

Paterson

$18,100

avg tuition/year

$5,750 above national avg

Lower cost

Portland

$18,200

avg tuition/year

$5,850 above national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Paterson	Portland	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$18,100/yr	$18,200/yr	-$100
Religious Schools	$11,700/yr	$10,400/yr	+$1,300
Independent/Prep	$38,700/yr	$31,500/yr	+$7,200
Elementary (K-5)	$15,400/yr	$14,800/yr	+$600
Middle School (6-8)	$18,100/yr	$18,200/yr	-$100
High School (9-12)	$21,700/yr	$22,500/yr	-$800

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Paterson

$235,300

Portland

$236,600

Choosing Paterson saves $1,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $2,600.

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

Portland

Catlin Gabel School

Independent · PK–12 · $38,400-$41,200/yr

Oregon Episcopal School

Independent · PK–12 · $34,800/yr

Jesuit High School (Portland)

Catholic · 9–12 · $19,200/yr

Central Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $14,800/yr

Full Paterson breakdown → Full Portland 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.