Private School Cost in New Jersey (2026)
Private schools in New Jersey average $16,750/year. 36% above national avg. Religious schools run $10,800/year; independent schools average $35,800/year.
State Average
$16,750
per year
Monthly Est.
$1,396
per month
Private Schools
1,280
in New Jersey
vs National
+$4,400
per year
Tuition by School Type in New Jersey
Average annual tuition, 2026 NCES data
Religious Schools
Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based schools.
$10,800/yr
+35% vs national ($8,000)
Independent Schools
Non-religious private day schools and prep schools.
$35,800/yr
+43% vs national ($25,000)
Montessori Schools
Child-led learning programs, typically PK–8.
$17,200/yr
+38% vs national ($12,500)
All Private Schools (Avg)
Blended average across all types.
$16,750/yr
+36% vs national ($12,350)
Cost Range in New Jersey
25th Percentile
$9,500
More affordable options
State Average
$16,750
Typical school
75th Percentile
$28,500
Premium schools
Most New Jersey private schools fall between $9,500 and $28,500/year. Individual schools vary — always contact the school directly for exact tuition figures.
Can I Afford Private School in New Jersey?
Enter your household income to see how New Jersey's average tuition fits your budget.
Private vs Public in New Jersey
Private School (avg)
$16,750
per year, out-of-pocket
- • Avg class size: 12–15 students
- • Financial aid available (27% of students)
- • Specialized curriculum options
Public School
$21,260
per pupil, taxpayer-funded
- • Avg class size: 16–22 students
- • Free to attend (hidden costs: $1,500–$5,000/yr)
- • Quality varies widely by district
New Jersey spends $21,260/pupil in public schools (state average). Private schools charge an average of $16,750/year — a gap of $4,510/year less than public per-pupil spending.
Financial Aid in New Jersey
About 27% of private school students nationally receive need-based financial aid, averaging 48% of tuition. At New Jersey's average of $16,750/year, that's roughly $8,000/year in aid for qualifying families. Most New Jersey private schools use FAST or SSS applications — ask the admissions office to start the process.
Learn more about private school financial aid →Compare Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does private school cost in New Jersey?
Private school in New Jersey averages $16,750/year — 36% above the national average of $12,350/year. Religious schools average $10,800/year; independent schools average $35,800/year. New Jersey has approximately 1,280 private schools. Source: NCES 2023–24.
What is the average private school tuition in New Jersey?
The average private school tuition in New Jersey is $16,750/year. That breaks down to roughly $1,395/month on a 12-month payment plan. Religious schools run lower at $10,800/year; independent schools average $35,800/year.
How does New Jersey private school cost compare to the national average?
New Jersey private school tuition averages $16,750/year, which is 36% above the national average ($12,350/year). New Jersey is one of the higher-cost states for private education, driven by higher concentrations of elite independent schools.
How many private schools are in New Jersey?
New Jersey has approximately 1,280 private schools. These include religious (Catholic, Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based) schools, independent schools, Montessori programs, and boarding schools. Source: NCES Private School Universe Survey.
Can I afford private school in New Jersey?
A common guideline is to keep private school tuition under 10–15% of gross household income. At New Jersey's average of $16,750/year, that means a household income of $140,000+ is generally needed without financial stress. About 27% of private school families receive need-based aid averaging 48% of tuition — contact the school's admissions office to learn about aid options.
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K–12 Total Cost
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All States Comparison
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