Boston University vs. Notre Dame: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Boston University posts the higher first-time bar passage (92.28% vs 92.15%); Boston University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($69,870 vs $73,430); Boston University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (96.7% vs 93.9%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Boston University | Notre Dame | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 170 | 170 | Tie |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.88 | 3.89 | Notre Dame |
| Acceptance rate | 12.1% | 16.1% | Boston University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $69,870 | $73,430 | Boston University |
| Non-resident tuition | $69,870 | $73,430 | Boston University |
| Median grant | $29,000 | $30,000 | Notre Dame |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 92.28% | 92.15% | Boston University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 96.02% | 99.01% | Notre Dame |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +9 pts | +12.3 pts | Notre Dame |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 96.7% | 93.9% | Boston University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 47.2% | 34.8% | Boston University |
| Federal clerkships | 1.4% | 17.1% | Notre Dame |
15-year trajectory
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FAQ
Which is cheaper, Boston University or Notre Dame?
Boston University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $69,870 versus Notre Dame's $73,430.
Which has better bar passage, Boston University or Notre Dame?
Boston University has the higher first-time bar passage, 92.28% against Notre Dame's 92.15%.
Which has better job outcomes, Boston University or Notre Dame?
Boston University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (96.7% vs 93.9%).
Boston University vs Notre Dame: 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.