Boston University vs. Harvard University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Massachusetts law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Harvard University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 174 vs 170); Harvard University posts the higher first-time bar passage (97.86% vs 92.28%); Boston University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($69,870 vs $77,100); Harvard University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (97.2% vs 96.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Boston University | Harvard University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 170 | 174 | Harvard University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.88 | 3.96 | Harvard University |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 9.2% | Harvard University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $69,870 | $77,100 | Boston University |
| Non-resident tuition | $69,870 | $77,100 | Boston University |
| Median grant | $29,000 | $27,510 | Boston University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 92.28% | 97.86% | Harvard University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 96.02% | 99.32% | Harvard University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +9 pts | +14.4 pts | Harvard University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 96.7% | 97.2% | Harvard University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 47.2% | 56.2% | Harvard University |
| Federal clerkships | 1.4% | 16.6% | Harvard University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Boston University full profile · Harvard University full profile · All Massachusetts law schools
FAQ
Is Boston University or Harvard University harder to get into?
Harvard University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 174 against Boston University's 170.
Which is cheaper, Boston University or Harvard University?
Boston University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $69,870 versus Harvard University's $77,100.
Which has better bar passage, Boston University or Harvard University?
Harvard University has the higher first-time bar passage, 97.86% against Boston University's 92.28%.
Which has better job outcomes, Boston University or Harvard University?
Harvard University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (97.2% vs 96.7%).
Boston University vs Harvard 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), Harvard 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.