California Western vs. Washburn University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Washburn University posts the higher first-time bar passage (71.11% vs 62.91%); Washburn University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($27,028 vs $64,720); Washburn University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (92.9% vs 79%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | California Western | Washburn University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 155 | 155 | Tie |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.50 | 3.68 | Washburn University |
| Acceptance rate | 46.9% | 46.5% | Washburn University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $64,720 | $27,028 | Washburn University |
| Non-resident tuition | $64,720 | $40,397 | Washburn University |
| Median grant | $37,440 | $15,000 | California Western |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 62.91% | 71.11% | Washburn University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 73.95% | 85.22% | Washburn University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -14.6 pts | -8.9 pts | Washburn University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 79% | 92.9% | Washburn University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 6.3% | 3% | California Western |
| Federal clerkships | 1.5% | 1% | California Western |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
California Western full profile · Washburn University full profile
FAQ
Which is cheaper, California Western or Washburn University?
Washburn University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $27,028 versus California Western's $64,720.
Which has better bar passage, California Western or Washburn University?
Washburn University has the higher first-time bar passage, 71.11% against California Western's 62.91%.
Which has better job outcomes, California Western or Washburn University?
Washburn University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (92.9% vs 79%).
California Western vs Washburn 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), Washburn 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.