American University vs. George Washington University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are District of Columbia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, George Washington University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 168 vs 162); George Washington University posts the higher first-time bar passage (90.22% vs 81.28%); American University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($66,990 vs $75,420); George Washington University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (96.8% vs 82.5%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | American University | George Washington University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 162 | 168 | George Washington University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.63 | 3.86 | George Washington University |
| Acceptance rate | 33.3% | 27.2% | George Washington University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $66,990 | $75,420 | American University |
| Non-resident tuition | $66,990 | $75,420 | American University |
| Median grant | $40,000 | $28,000 | American University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 81.28% | 90.22% | George Washington University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 85.67% | 95.43% | George Washington University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -0.7 pts | +7.5 pts | George Washington University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 82.5% | 96.8% | George Washington University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 15.8% | 28.7% | George Washington University |
| Federal clerkships | 1% | 2.6% | George Washington University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
American University full profile · George Washington University full profile · All District of Columbia law schools
FAQ
Is American University or George Washington University harder to get into?
George Washington University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 168 against American University's 162.
Which is cheaper, American University or George Washington University?
American University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $66,990 versus George Washington University's $75,420.
Which has better bar passage, American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University has the higher first-time bar passage, 90.22% against American University's 81.28%.
Which has better job outcomes, American University or George Washington University?
George Washington University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (96.8% vs 82.5%).
American University vs George Washington 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), George Washington 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.