Private School Cost: Paterson vs Rochester
Both cities average about the same for private school tuition.
Bottom Line
Both cities average around $18,100/year for private school. The difference shows up in school type: religious schools are much cheaper than independent prep.
Paterson
NJ
$18,100
avg tuition/year
Rochester
NY
$18,100
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Paterson | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,100/yr | $18,100/yr | Same |
| Religious Schools | $11,700/yr | $10,400/yr | +$1,300 |
| Independent/Prep | $38,700/yr | $38,500/yr | +$200 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,400/yr | $15,400/yr | Same |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,100/yr | $18,100/yr | Same |
| High School (9-12) | $21,700/yr | $21,700/yr | Same |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Paterson
$235,300
Rochester
$235,300
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
Rochester
McQuaid Jesuit High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $16,800/yr
Allendale Columbia School
Independent · PK–12 · $22,400/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.