Buffalo, University at vs. Syracuse University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New York law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Syracuse University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 158 vs 157); Buffalo, University at posts the higher first-time bar passage (85.71% vs 82.9%); Buffalo, University at is cheaper on sticker tuition ($26,430 vs $64,650); Buffalo, University at places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (94.9% vs 90.9%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Buffalo, University at | Syracuse University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 157 | 158 | Syracuse University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.71 | 3.60 | Buffalo, University at |
| Acceptance rate | 42.4% | 34.6% | Syracuse University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $26,430 | $64,650 | Buffalo, University at |
| Non-resident tuition | $32,100 | $64,650 | Buffalo, University at |
| Median grant | $7,500 | $24,351 | Syracuse University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 85.71% | 82.9% | Buffalo, University at |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 86.92% | 82.45% | Buffalo, University at |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -0.5 pts | +0.3 pts | Syracuse University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 94.9% | 90.9% | Buffalo, University at |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 10.2% | 10.1% | Buffalo, University at |
| Federal clerkships | 0.7% | 1.4% | Syracuse University |
15-year trajectory
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FAQ
Is Buffalo, University at or Syracuse University harder to get into?
Syracuse University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 158 against Buffalo, University at's 157.
Which is cheaper, Buffalo, University at or Syracuse University?
Buffalo, University at is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $26,430 versus Syracuse University's $64,650.
Which has better bar passage, Buffalo, University at or Syracuse University?
Buffalo, University at has the higher first-time bar passage, 85.71% against Syracuse University's 82.9%.
Which has better job outcomes, Buffalo, University at or Syracuse University?
Buffalo, University at places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (94.9% vs 90.9%).
Buffalo, University at vs Syracuse 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), 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.