California Western vs. West Virginia University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, West Virginia University posts the higher first-time bar passage (78.3% vs 62.91%); West Virginia University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($26,370 vs $64,720); West Virginia University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (80.2% vs 79%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricCalifornia WesternWest Virginia UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT155155Tie
Median undergraduate GPA3.503.65West Virginia University
Acceptance rate46.9%40.3%West Virginia University
Cost
Resident tuition$64,720$26,370West Virginia University
Non-resident tuition$64,720$45,666West Virginia University
Median grant$37,440$17,500California Western
Bar passage
First-time bar passage62.91%78.3%West Virginia University
Two-year ultimate bar passage73.95%86%West Virginia University
Bar passage vs. state average-14.6 pts+1.8 ptsWest Virginia University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment79%80.2%West Virginia University
Large-firm (250+) employment6.3%8.8%West Virginia University
Federal clerkships1.5%3.3%West Virginia University

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 70.61% in 2011 to 62.91% in 202540%50%60%70%80%90%111315182022242562.91%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
California Western — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 72.82% in 2011 to 78.3% in 202550%60%70%80%90%111315182022242578.3%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
West Virginia University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $42,700 in 2011 to $64,720 in 2025$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,0001113151719212325$64,720
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
California Western — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $16,423 in 2011 to $26,370 in 2025$15,000$20,000$25,000$30,0001113151719212325$26,370
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
West Virginia University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

California Western full profile · West Virginia University full profile

FAQ

Which is cheaper, California Western or West Virginia University?

West Virginia University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $26,370 versus California Western's $64,720.

Which has better bar passage, California Western or West Virginia University?

West Virginia University has the higher first-time bar passage, 78.3% against California Western's 62.91%.

Which has better job outcomes, California Western or West Virginia University?

West Virginia University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (80.2% vs 79%).

California Western vs West Virginia 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), West Virginia 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.

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