American University vs. Howard University: 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 156); American University posts the higher first-time bar passage (81.3% vs 76.8%); Howard University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($39,780 vs $66,990); American University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (82.5% vs 70.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | American University | Howard University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 162 | 156 | American University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.63 | 3.63 | Tie |
| Acceptance rate | 33.3% | 24.1% | Howard University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $66,990 | $39,780 | Howard University |
| Non-resident tuition | $66,990 | $39,780 | Howard University |
| Median grant | $40,000 | $23,657 | American University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 81.3% | 76.8% | American University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 85.7% | 87.3% | Howard University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -0.7 pts | -5.5 pts | American University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 82.5% | 70.3% | American University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 15.8% | 36.1% | Howard University |
| Federal clerkships | 1.0% | 1.9% | Howard University |
trajectory since 2011
Full profiles & related
American University full profile · Howard University full profile · Pin both on the interactive map → · All District of Columbia law schools
FAQ
Is American University or Howard University harder to get into?
American University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 162 against Howard University's 156.
Which is cheaper, American University or Howard University?
Howard University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $39,780 versus American University's $66,990.
Which has better bar passage, American University or Howard University?
American University has the higher first-time bar passage, 81.3% against Howard University's 76.8%.
Which has better job outcomes, American University or Howard University?
American University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (82.5% vs 70.3%).
American University vs Howard 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), 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.