Ave Maria vs. St. Thomas University (Miami): Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Florida law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Ave Maria is the more selective admit (median LSAT 155 vs 152); St. Thomas University (Miami) posts the higher first-time bar passage (80.89% vs 65.88%); St. Thomas University (Miami) is cheaper on sticker tuition ($44,730 vs $49,500); Ave Maria places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (84% vs 79.4%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Ave Maria | St. Thomas University (Miami) | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 155 | 152 | Ave Maria |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.36 | 3.42 | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Acceptance rate | 47% | 60.2% | Ave Maria |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $49,500 | $44,730 | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Non-resident tuition | $49,500 | $44,730 | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Median grant | $30,000 | $25,320 | Ave Maria |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 65.88% | 80.89% | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 85.19% | 87.68% | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -7.9 pts | +8.2 pts | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 84% | 79.4% | Ave Maria |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 4.9% | 8.8% | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 1% | St. Thomas University (Miami) |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Ave Maria full profile · St. Thomas University (Miami) full profile · All Florida law schools
FAQ
Is Ave Maria or St. Thomas University (Miami) harder to get into?
Ave Maria is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 155 against St. Thomas University (Miami)'s 152.
Which is cheaper, Ave Maria or St. Thomas University (Miami)?
St. Thomas University (Miami) is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $44,730 versus Ave Maria's $49,500.
Which has better bar passage, Ave Maria or St. Thomas University (Miami)?
St. Thomas University (Miami) has the higher first-time bar passage, 80.89% against Ave Maria's 65.88%.
Which has better job outcomes, Ave Maria or St. Thomas University (Miami)?
Ave Maria places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (84% vs 79.4%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.