California-Irvine 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 169); Stanford University posts the higher first-time bar passage (96.5% vs 85.53%); California-Irvine is cheaper on sticker tuition ($59,080 vs $77,454); California-Irvine places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (93.5% vs 91.6%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricCalifornia-IrvineStanford UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT169173Stanford University
Median undergraduate GPA3.803.96Stanford University
Acceptance rate14.9%6.1%Stanford University
Cost
Resident tuition$59,080$77,454California-Irvine
Non-resident tuition$71,325$77,454California-Irvine
Median grant$25,000$52,797Stanford University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage85.53%96.5%Stanford University
Two-year ultimate bar passage92.7%98.9%Stanford University
Bar passage vs. state average+7.5 pts+15.1 ptsStanford University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment93.5%91.6%California-Irvine
Large-firm (250+) employment34.8%46.4%Stanford University
Federal clerkships0.6%19.5%Stanford University

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 0% in 2012 to 85.53% in 20250%25%50%75%100%1214161921232585.53%
First-time bar passage · 2012–2025
California-Irvine — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 98.96% in 2011 to 96.5% in 202585%90%95%100%111315182022242596.5%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Stanford University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $43,280 in 2011 to $59,080 in 2025$40,000$45,000$50,000$55,000$60,000$65,0001113151719212325$59,080
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
California-Irvine — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $49,179 in 2011 to $77,454 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,000$80,0001113151719212325$77,454
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Stanford University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

California-Irvine full profile · Stanford University full profile · All California law schools

FAQ

Is California-Irvine or Stanford University harder to get into?

Stanford University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 173 against California-Irvine's 169.

Which is cheaper, California-Irvine or Stanford University?

California-Irvine is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $59,080 versus Stanford University's $77,454.

Which has better bar passage, California-Irvine or Stanford University?

Stanford University has the higher first-time bar passage, 96.5% against California-Irvine's 85.53%.

Which has better job outcomes, California-Irvine or Stanford University?

California-Irvine places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (93.5% vs 91.6%).

Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.

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