Boston College vs. Suffolk University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

Both are Massachusetts law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Boston College is the more selective admit (median LSAT 168 vs 155); Boston College posts the higher first-time bar passage (93.82% vs 79.37%); Suffolk University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($62,610 vs $72,380); Boston College places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (95.8% vs 89.4%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricBoston CollegeSuffolk UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT168155Boston College
Median undergraduate GPA3.833.58Boston College
Acceptance rate8.5%61.9%Boston College
Cost
Resident tuition$72,380$62,610Suffolk University
Non-resident tuition$72,380$62,610Suffolk University
Median grant$24,000$22,445Boston College
Bar passage
First-time bar passage93.82%79.37%Boston College
Two-year ultimate bar passage96.05%87.75%Boston College
Bar passage vs. state average+10.3 pts-4.1 ptsBoston College
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment95.8%89.4%Boston College
Large-firm (250+) employment47.9%11.2%Boston College
Federal clerkships2.3%1.1%Boston College

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 95.91% in 2011 to 93.82% in 202585%87.5%90%92.5%95%97.5%111315182022242593.82%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Boston College — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 92.75% in 2011 to 79.37% in 202550%60%70%80%90%100%111315182022242579.37%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Suffolk University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $41,818 in 2011 to $72,380 in 2025$30,000$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,000$80,0001113151719212325$72,380
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Boston College — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $42,660 in 2011 to $62,610 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,0001113151719212325$62,610
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Suffolk University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

Boston College full profile · Suffolk University full profile · All Massachusetts law schools

FAQ

Is Boston College or Suffolk University harder to get into?

Boston College is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 168 against Suffolk University's 155.

Which is cheaper, Boston College or Suffolk University?

Suffolk University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $62,610 versus Boston College's $72,380.

Which has better bar passage, Boston College or Suffolk University?

Boston College has the higher first-time bar passage, 93.82% against Suffolk University's 79.37%.

Which has better job outcomes, Boston College or Suffolk University?

Boston College places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (95.8% vs 89.4%).

Boston College vs Suffolk 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 College 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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