Belmont University vs. Vanderbilt University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Tennessee law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Vanderbilt University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 170 vs 161); Belmont University posts the higher first-time bar passage (95% vs 94.51%); Belmont University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($55,500 vs $76,440); Vanderbilt University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.8% vs 89.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Belmont University | Vanderbilt University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 161 | 170 | Vanderbilt University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.84 | 3.91 | Vanderbilt University |
| Acceptance rate | 37.6% | 13.3% | Vanderbilt University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $55,500 | $76,440 | Belmont University |
| Non-resident tuition | $55,500 | $76,440 | Belmont University |
| Median grant | $40,710 | $32,792 | Belmont University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 95% | 94.51% | Belmont University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 93.04% | 95.48% | Vanderbilt University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +17.1 pts | +13.5 pts | Belmont University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 89.8% | 98.8% | Vanderbilt University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 10.1% | 56.3% | Vanderbilt University |
| Federal clerkships | 0.8% | 10.8% | Vanderbilt University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Belmont University full profile · Vanderbilt University full profile · All Tennessee law schools
FAQ
Is Belmont University or Vanderbilt University harder to get into?
Vanderbilt University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 170 against Belmont University's 161.
Which is cheaper, Belmont University or Vanderbilt University?
Belmont University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $55,500 versus Vanderbilt University's $76,440.
Which has better bar passage, Belmont University or Vanderbilt University?
Belmont University has the higher first-time bar passage, 95% against Vanderbilt University's 94.51%.
Which has better job outcomes, Belmont University or Vanderbilt University?
Vanderbilt University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.8% vs 89.8%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.