California-Berkeley vs. Stanford University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are California law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Stanford University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 173 vs 170); Stanford University posts the higher first-time bar passage (96.5% vs 91.16%); California-Berkeley is cheaper on sticker tuition ($62,532 vs $77,454); California-Berkeley places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (97.2% vs 91.6%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | California-Berkeley | Stanford University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 170 | 173 | Stanford University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.92 | 3.96 | Stanford University |
| Acceptance rate | 14.8% | 6.1% | Stanford University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $62,532 | $77,454 | California-Berkeley |
| Non-resident tuition | $76,149 | $77,454 | California-Berkeley |
| Median grant | $31,158 | $52,797 | Stanford University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 91.16% | 96.5% | Stanford University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 98.58% | 98.9% | Stanford University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +11.2 pts | +15.1 pts | Stanford University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 97.2% | 91.6% | California-Berkeley |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 60.7% | 46.4% | California-Berkeley |
| Federal clerkships | 6.4% | 19.5% | Stanford University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
California-Berkeley full profile · Stanford University full profile · All California law schools
FAQ
Is California-Berkeley or Stanford University harder to get into?
Stanford University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 173 against California-Berkeley's 170.
Which is cheaper, California-Berkeley or Stanford University?
California-Berkeley is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $62,532 versus Stanford University's $77,454.
Which has better bar passage, California-Berkeley or Stanford University?
Stanford University has the higher first-time bar passage, 96.5% against California-Berkeley's 91.16%.
Which has better job outcomes, California-Berkeley or Stanford University?
California-Berkeley places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (97.2% vs 91.6%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.