Private School Cost: San Bernardino vs San Jose
San Bernardino averages $11,400/year less for private school (83% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $148,200 per child.
Bottom Line
San Bernardino is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,800/year vs $25,200/year in San Jose. Religious schools run $9,000/year on the low end.
San Bernardino
CA
$13,800
avg tuition/year
San Jose
CA
$25,200
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | San Bernardino | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $13,800/yr | $25,200/yr | -$11,400 |
| Religious Schools | $9,000/yr | $13,800/yr | -$4,800 |
| Independent/Prep | $26,800/yr | $40,500/yr | -$13,700 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $11,700/yr | $20,500/yr | -$8,800 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $13,800/yr | $25,200/yr | -$11,400 |
| High School (9-12) | $16,600/yr | $31,200/yr | -$14,600 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
San Bernardino
$179,400
San Jose
$327,600
Choosing San Bernardino saves $148,200 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $296,400.
Sample Schools
San Bernardino
Our Lady of the Assumption School
Catholic · PK–8 · $8,400-$10,200/yr
San Bernardino Christian School
Christian · K–12 · $7,800-$9,200/yr
San Jose
Harker School
Independent · K–12 · $48,200-$51,600/yr
Bellarmine College Preparatory
Catholic · 9–12 · $22,800/yr
Archbishop Mitty High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $21,400/yr
Presentation High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $20,800/yr
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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.