Boston University vs. Northeastern 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 164); Boston University posts the higher first-time bar passage (92.28% vs 87.39%); Northeastern University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($65,652 vs $69,870); Boston University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (96.7% vs 86.9%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Boston University | Northeastern University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 170 | 164 | Boston University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.88 | 3.77 | Boston University |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 24.2% | Boston University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $69,870 | $65,652 | Northeastern University |
| Non-resident tuition | $69,870 | $65,652 | Northeastern University |
| Median grant | $29,000 | $31,000 | Northeastern University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 92.28% | 87.39% | Boston University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 96.02% | 96.74% | Northeastern University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +9 pts | +4.5 pts | Boston University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 96.7% | 86.9% | Boston University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 47.2% | 20.6% | Boston University |
| Federal clerkships | 1.4% | 2.3% | Northeastern University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Boston University full profile · Northeastern University full profile · All Massachusetts law schools
FAQ
Is Boston University or Northeastern University harder to get into?
Boston University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 170 against Northeastern University's 164.
Which is cheaper, Boston University or Northeastern University?
Northeastern University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $65,652 versus Boston University's $69,870.
Which has better bar passage, Boston University or Northeastern University?
Boston University has the higher first-time bar passage, 92.28% against Northeastern University's 87.39%.
Which has better job outcomes, Boston University or Northeastern University?
Boston University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (96.7% vs 86.9%).
Boston University vs Northeastern 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.