University of Alabama vs. Southern Methodist University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, University of Alabama posts the higher first-time bar passage (91.39% vs 90.2%); University of Alabama is cheaper on sticker tuition ($24,980 vs $60,844); University of Alabama places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (99.3% vs 98.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | University of Alabama | Southern Methodist University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 167 | 167 | Tie |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.97 | 3.81 | University of Alabama |
| Acceptance rate | 25.6% | 24.6% | Southern Methodist University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $24,980 | $60,844 | University of Alabama |
| Non-resident tuition | $48,100 | $60,844 | University of Alabama |
| Median grant | $21,500 | $26,000 | Southern Methodist University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 91.39% | 90.2% | University of Alabama |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 95.42% | 94.4% | University of Alabama |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +10.9 pts | +8.8 pts | University of Alabama |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 99.3% | 98.2% | University of Alabama |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 26% | 38.2% | Southern Methodist University |
| Federal clerkships | 12.3% | 3.6% | University of Alabama |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
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FAQ
Which is cheaper, University of Alabama or Southern Methodist University?
University of Alabama is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $24,980 versus Southern Methodist University's $60,844.
Which has better bar passage, University of Alabama or Southern Methodist University?
University of Alabama has the higher first-time bar passage, 91.39% against Southern Methodist University's 90.2%.
Which has better job outcomes, University of Alabama or Southern Methodist University?
University of Alabama places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (99.3% vs 98.2%).
University of Alabama vs Southern Methodist University: which is better?
It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), University of Alabama leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.