Private School Cost: San Diego vs South Bend
South Bend averages $13,800/year less for private school (186% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $179,400 per child.
Bottom Line
South Bend is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $7,400/year vs $21,200/year in San Diego. Religious schools run $5,500/year on the low end.
San Diego
CA
$21,200
avg tuition/year
South Bend
IN
$7,400
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | San Diego | South Bend | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $21,200/yr | $7,400/yr | +$13,800 |
| Religious Schools | $11,500/yr | $5,500/yr | +$6,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $36,500/yr | $15,400/yr | +$21,100 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $17,500/yr | $6,300/yr | +$11,200 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $21,200/yr | $7,400/yr | +$13,800 |
| High School (9-12) | $26,000/yr | $8,900/yr | +$17,100 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
San Diego
$275,600
South Bend
$96,200
Choosing South Bend saves $179,400 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $358,800.
Sample Schools
San Diego
Bishop's School
Independent · 7–12 · $43,200/yr
La Jolla Country Day School
Independent · PK–12 · $38,800-$41,200/yr
Francis Parker School
Independent · K–12 · $36,400-$38,800/yr
Cathedral Catholic High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $19,800/yr
South Bend
Saint Joseph High School (South Bend)
Catholic · 9–12 · $9,600/yr
South Bend STEM Academy
Independent · K–12 · $9,200-$11,400/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.