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

On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, West Virginia University posts the higher first-time bar passage (78.3% vs 65.88%); West Virginia University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($26,370 vs $49,500); Ave Maria places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (84% vs 80.2%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricAve MariaWest Virginia UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT155155Tie
Median undergraduate GPA3.363.65West Virginia University
Acceptance rate47%40.3%West Virginia University
Cost
Resident tuition$49,500$26,370West Virginia University
Non-resident tuition$49,500$45,666West Virginia University
Median grant$30,000$17,500Ave Maria
Bar passage
First-time bar passage65.88%78.3%West Virginia University
Two-year ultimate bar passage85.19%86%West Virginia University
Bar passage vs. state average-7.9 pts+1.8 ptsWest Virginia University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment84%80.2%Ave Maria
Large-firm (250+) employment4.9%8.8%West Virginia University
Federal clerkships0%3.3%West Virginia 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: 72.82% in 2011 to 78.3% in 202550%60%70%80%90%111315182022242578.3%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
West Virginia 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: $16,423 in 2011 to $26,370 in 2025$15,000$20,000$25,000$30,0001113151719212325$26,370
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
West Virginia University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

Ave Maria full profile · West Virginia University full profile

FAQ

Which is cheaper, Ave Maria or West Virginia University?

West Virginia University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $26,370 versus Ave Maria's $49,500.

Which has better bar passage, Ave Maria or West Virginia University?

West Virginia University has the higher first-time bar passage, 78.3% against Ave Maria's 65.88%.

Which has better job outcomes, Ave Maria or West Virginia University?

Ave Maria places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (84% vs 80.2%).

Ave Maria vs West Virginia 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), West Virginia 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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