Ave Maria vs. Gonzaga University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Gonzaga University posts the higher first-time bar passage (79.74% vs 65.88%); Ave Maria is cheaper on sticker tuition ($49,500 vs $57,962); Ave Maria places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (84% vs 81.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Ave Maria | Gonzaga University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 155 | 155 | Tie |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.36 | 3.55 | Gonzaga University |
| Acceptance rate | 47% | 51.1% | Ave Maria |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $49,500 | $57,962 | Ave Maria |
| Non-resident tuition | $49,500 | $57,962 | Ave Maria |
| Median grant | $30,000 | $32,000 | Gonzaga University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 65.88% | 79.74% | Gonzaga University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 85.19% | 92.74% | Gonzaga University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -7.9 pts | -1.6 pts | Gonzaga University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 84% | 81.8% | Ave Maria |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 4.9% | 2.5% | Ave Maria |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 1% | Gonzaga University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Ave Maria full profile · Gonzaga University full profile
FAQ
Which is cheaper, Ave Maria or Gonzaga University?
Ave Maria is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $49,500 versus Gonzaga University's $57,962.
Which has better bar passage, Ave Maria or Gonzaga University?
Gonzaga University has the higher first-time bar passage, 79.74% against Ave Maria's 65.88%.
Which has better job outcomes, Ave Maria or Gonzaga University?
Ave Maria places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (84% vs 81.8%).
Ave Maria vs Gonzaga 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), Ave Maria 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.