Buffalo, University at vs. City University of New York: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New York law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Buffalo, University at is the more selective admit (median LSAT 157 vs 155); Buffalo, University at posts the higher first-time bar passage (85.71% vs 65.67%); City University of New York is cheaper on sticker tuition ($15,450 vs $26,430); Buffalo, University at places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (94.9% vs 80.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Buffalo, University at | City University of New York | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 157 | 155 | Buffalo, University at |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.71 | 3.54 | Buffalo, University at |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 28.6% | City University of New York |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $26,430 | $15,450 | City University of New York |
| Non-resident tuition | $32,100 | $25,640 | City University of New York |
| Median grant | $7,500 | $8,000 | City University of New York |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 85.71% | 65.67% | Buffalo, University at |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 86.92% | 89.01% | City University of New York |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -0.5 pts | -20.3 pts | Buffalo, University at |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 94.9% | 80.7% | Buffalo, University at |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 10.2% | 2% | Buffalo, University at |
| Federal clerkships | 0.7% | 0% | Buffalo, University at |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Buffalo, University at full profile · City University of New York full profile · All New York law schools
FAQ
Is Buffalo, University at or City University of New York harder to get into?
Buffalo, University at is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 157 against City University of New York's 155.
Which is cheaper, Buffalo, University at or City University of New York?
City University of New York is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $15,450 versus Buffalo, University at's $26,430.
Which has better bar passage, Buffalo, University at or City University of New York?
Buffalo, University at has the higher first-time bar passage, 85.71% against City University of New York's 65.67%.
Which has better job outcomes, Buffalo, University at or City University of New York?
Buffalo, University at places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (94.9% vs 80.7%).
Buffalo, University at vs City University of New York: 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), Buffalo, University at 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.