Ave Maria vs. Washburn University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Washburn University posts the higher first-time bar passage (71.11% vs 65.88%); Washburn University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($27,028 vs $49,500); Washburn University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (92.9% vs 84%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricAve MariaWashburn UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT155155Tie
Median undergraduate GPA3.363.68Washburn University
Acceptance rate47%46.5%Washburn University
Cost
Resident tuition$49,500$27,028Washburn University
Non-resident tuition$49,500$40,397Washburn University
Median grant$30,000$15,000Ave Maria
Bar passage
First-time bar passage65.88%71.11%Washburn University
Two-year ultimate bar passage85.19%85.22%Washburn University
Bar passage vs. state average-7.9 pts-8.9 ptsAve Maria
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment84%92.9%Washburn University
Large-firm (250+) employment4.9%3%Ave Maria
Federal clerkships0%1%Washburn University

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 53.58% in 2011 to 65.88% in 202550%55%60%65%70%75%111315182022242565.88%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Ave Maria — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 89.32% in 2011 to 71.11% in 202560%70%80%90%100%111315182022242571.11%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Washburn University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $36,448 in 2011 to $49,500 in 2025$35,000$40,000$45,000$50,000$55,0001113151719212325$49,500
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Ave Maria — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $17,290 in 2011 to $27,028 in 2025$15,000$20,000$25,000$30,0001113151719212325$27,028
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Washburn University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

FAQ

Which is cheaper, Ave Maria or Washburn University?

Washburn University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $27,028 versus Ave Maria's $49,500.

Which has better bar passage, Ave Maria or Washburn University?

Washburn University has the higher first-time bar passage, 71.11% against Ave Maria's 65.88%.

Which has better job outcomes, Ave Maria or Washburn University?

Washburn University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (92.9% vs 84%).

Ave Maria vs Washburn 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), Washburn 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.

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