American University vs. University of Kansas: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, University of Kansas posts the higher first-time bar passage (92.17% vs 81.28%); University of Kansas is cheaper on sticker tuition ($24,853 vs $66,990); University of Kansas places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (96% vs 82.5%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | American University | University of Kansas | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 162 | 162 | Tie |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.63 | 3.85 | University of Kansas |
| Acceptance rate | 33.3% | 39.1% | American University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $66,990 | $24,853 | University of Kansas |
| Non-resident tuition | $66,990 | $31,726 | University of Kansas |
| Median grant | $40,000 | $15,000 | American University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 81.28% | 92.17% | University of Kansas |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 85.67% | 96.81% | University of Kansas |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -0.7 pts | +11.6 pts | University of Kansas |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 82.5% | 96% | University of Kansas |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 15.8% | 13.5% | American University |
| Federal clerkships | 1% | 4% | University of Kansas |
15-year trajectory
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FAQ
Which is cheaper, American University or University of Kansas?
University of Kansas is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $24,853 versus American University's $66,990.
Which has better bar passage, American University or University of Kansas?
University of Kansas has the higher first-time bar passage, 92.17% against American University's 81.28%.
Which has better job outcomes, American University or University of Kansas?
University of Kansas places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (96% vs 82.5%).
American University vs University of Kansas: 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), University of Kansas 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.