Private School Cost: Paterson vs Trenton
Trenton averages $1,300/year less for private school (8% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $16,900 per child.
Bottom Line
Trenton is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $16,800/year vs $18,100/year in Paterson. Religious schools run $10,800/year on the low end.
Paterson
NJ
$18,100
avg tuition/year
Trenton
NJ
$16,800
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Paterson | Trenton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $18,100/yr | $16,800/yr | +$1,300 |
| Religious Schools | $11,700/yr | $10,800/yr | +$900 |
| Independent/Prep | $38,700/yr | $35,800/yr | +$2,900 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $15,400/yr | $14,300/yr | +$1,100 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $18,100/yr | $16,800/yr | +$1,300 |
| High School (9-12) | $21,700/yr | $20,200/yr | +$1,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Paterson
$235,300
Trenton
$218,400
Choosing Trenton saves $16,900 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $33,800.
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
Trenton
Notre Dame High School (Trenton NJ)
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,200/yr
Trenton Catholic Academy
Catholic · K–12 · $12,400/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.