Belmont University vs. University of Memphis: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Tennessee law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Belmont University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 161 vs 155); Belmont University posts the higher first-time bar passage (95% vs 73.4%); University of Memphis is cheaper on sticker tuition ($18,634 vs $55,500); University of Memphis places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (91.5% vs 89.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Belmont University | University of Memphis | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 161 | 155 | Belmont University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.84 | 3.53 | Belmont University |
| Acceptance rate | 37.6% | 41.1% | Belmont University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $55,500 | $18,634 | University of Memphis |
| Non-resident tuition | $55,500 | $24,354 | University of Memphis |
| Median grant | $40,710 | $11,000 | Belmont University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 95% | 73.4% | Belmont University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 93.04% | 82.86% | Belmont University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +17.1 pts | -5.1 pts | Belmont University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 89.8% | 91.5% | University of Memphis |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 10.1% | 6.4% | Belmont University |
| Federal clerkships | 0.8% | 2.1% | University of Memphis |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Belmont University full profile · University of Memphis full profile · All Tennessee law schools
FAQ
Is Belmont University or University of Memphis harder to get into?
Belmont University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 161 against University of Memphis's 155.
Which is cheaper, Belmont University or University of Memphis?
University of Memphis is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $18,634 versus Belmont University's $55,500.
Which has better bar passage, Belmont University or University of Memphis?
Belmont University has the higher first-time bar passage, 95% against University of Memphis's 73.4%.
Which has better job outcomes, Belmont University or University of Memphis?
University of Memphis places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (91.5% vs 89.8%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.