American University vs. Catholic University of America: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are District of Columbia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, American University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 162 vs 161); Catholic University of America posts the higher first-time bar passage (83.08% vs 81.28%); Catholic University of America is cheaper on sticker tuition ($61,580 vs $66,990); Catholic University of America places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (92.9% vs 82.5%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | American University | Catholic University of America | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 162 | 161 | American University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.63 | 3.68 | Catholic University of America |
| Acceptance rate | 33.3% | 32.4% | Catholic University of America |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $66,990 | $61,580 | Catholic University of America |
| Non-resident tuition | $66,990 | $61,580 | Catholic University of America |
| Median grant | $40,000 | $26,000 | American University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 81.28% | 83.08% | Catholic University of America |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 85.67% | 89.91% | Catholic University of America |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -0.7 pts | +2 pts | Catholic University of America |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 82.5% | 92.9% | Catholic University of America |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 15.8% | 14.1% | American University |
| Federal clerkships | 1% | 1.8% | Catholic University of America |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
American University full profile · Catholic University of America full profile · All District of Columbia law schools
FAQ
Is American University or Catholic University of America harder to get into?
American University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 162 against Catholic University of America's 161.
Which is cheaper, American University or Catholic University of America?
Catholic University of America is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $61,580 versus American University's $66,990.
Which has better bar passage, American University or Catholic University of America?
Catholic University of America has the higher first-time bar passage, 83.08% against American University's 81.28%.
Which has better job outcomes, American University or Catholic University of America?
Catholic University of America places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (92.9% vs 82.5%).
American University vs Catholic University of America: 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), Catholic University of America 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.