American University vs. District of Columbia: 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 151); American University posts the higher first-time bar passage (81.28% vs 65.57%); District of Columbia is cheaper on sticker tuition ($12,438 vs $66,990); American University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (82.5% vs 71.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | American University | District of Columbia | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 162 | 151 | American University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.63 | 3.28 | American University |
| Acceptance rate | 33.3% | 37% | American University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $66,990 | $12,438 | District of Columbia |
| Non-resident tuition | $66,990 | $28,874 | District of Columbia |
| Median grant | $40,000 | $8,292 | American University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 81.28% | 65.57% | American University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 85.67% | 75% | American University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -0.7 pts | -15.1 pts | American University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 82.5% | 71.2% | American University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 15.8% | 2.4% | American University |
| Federal clerkships | 1% | 0% | American University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
American University full profile · District of Columbia full profile · All District of Columbia law schools
FAQ
Is American University or District of Columbia harder to get into?
American University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 162 against District of Columbia's 151.
Which is cheaper, American University or District of Columbia?
District of Columbia is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $12,438 versus American University's $66,990.
Which has better bar passage, American University or District of Columbia?
American University has the higher first-time bar passage, 81.28% against District of Columbia's 65.57%.
Which has better job outcomes, American University or District of Columbia?
American University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (82.5% vs 71.2%).
American University vs District of Columbia: 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), American University 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.