American University vs. Georgetown University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are District of Columbia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Georgetown University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 171 vs 162); Georgetown University posts the higher first-time bar passage (93.0% vs 81.3%); American University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($66,990 vs $83,576); Georgetown University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (95.9% vs 82.5%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | American University | Georgetown University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 162 | 171 | Georgetown University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.63 | 3.93 | Georgetown University |
| Acceptance rate | 33.3% | 15.8% | Georgetown University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $66,990 | $83,576 | American University |
| Non-resident tuition | $66,990 | $83,576 | American University |
| Median grant | $40,000 | $35,000 | American University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 81.3% | 93.0% | Georgetown University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 85.7% | 94.2% | Georgetown University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -0.7 pts | +9.8 pts | Georgetown University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 82.5% | 95.9% | Georgetown University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 15.8% | 59.0% | Georgetown University |
| Federal clerkships | 1.0% | 5.0% | Georgetown University |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
American University full profile · Georgetown University full profile · Pin both on the interactive map → · All District of Columbia law schools
FAQ
Is American University or Georgetown University harder to get into?
Georgetown University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 171 against American University's 162.
Which is cheaper, American University or Georgetown University?
American University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $66,990 versus Georgetown University's $83,576.
Which has better bar passage, American University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University has the higher first-time bar passage, 93.0% against American University's 81.3%.
Which has better job outcomes, American University or Georgetown University?
Georgetown University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (95.9% vs 82.5%).
American University vs Georgetown 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), Georgetown 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.