Boston College vs. Boston University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Massachusetts law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Boston University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 170 vs 168); Boston College posts the higher first-time bar passage (93.82% vs 92.28%); Boston University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($69,870 vs $72,380); Boston University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (96.7% vs 95.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Boston College | Boston University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 168 | 170 | Boston University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.83 | 3.88 | Boston University |
| Acceptance rate | 8.5% | 12.1% | Boston College |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $72,380 | $69,870 | Boston University |
| Non-resident tuition | $72,380 | $69,870 | Boston University |
| Median grant | $24,000 | $29,000 | Boston University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 93.82% | 92.28% | Boston College |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 96.05% | 96.02% | Boston College |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +10.3 pts | +9 pts | Boston College |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 95.8% | 96.7% | Boston University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 47.9% | 47.2% | Boston College |
| Federal clerkships | 2.3% | 1.4% | Boston College |
15-year trajectory
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FAQ
Is Boston College or Boston University harder to get into?
Boston University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 170 against Boston College's 168.
Which is cheaper, Boston College or Boston University?
Boston University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $69,870 versus Boston College's $72,380.
Which has better bar passage, Boston College or Boston University?
Boston College has the higher first-time bar passage, 93.82% against Boston University's 92.28%.
Which has better job outcomes, Boston College or Boston University?
Boston University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (96.7% vs 95.8%).
Boston College vs Boston 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), Boston 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.