California Western vs. Western State, Westcliff University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are California law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, California Western is the more selective admit (median LSAT 155 vs 152); Western State, Westcliff University posts the higher first-time bar passage (63.64% vs 62.91%); Western State, Westcliff University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($54,840 vs $64,720); Western State, Westcliff University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (91.4% vs 79%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | California Western | Western State, Westcliff University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 155 | 152 | California Western |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.50 | 3.36 | California Western |
| Acceptance rate | 46.9% | 43.7% | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $64,720 | $54,840 | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Non-resident tuition | $64,720 | $54,840 | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Median grant | $37,440 | $23,616 | California Western |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 62.91% | 63.64% | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 73.95% | 67.86% | California Western |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -14.6 pts | -14.1 pts | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 79% | 91.4% | Western State, Westcliff University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 6.3% | 2.2% | California Western |
| Federal clerkships | 1.5% | 0% | California Western |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
California Western full profile · Western State, Westcliff University full profile · All California law schools
FAQ
Is California Western or Western State, Westcliff University harder to get into?
California Western is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 155 against Western State, Westcliff University's 152.
Which is cheaper, California Western or Western State, Westcliff University?
Western State, Westcliff University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $54,840 versus California Western's $64,720.
Which has better bar passage, California Western or Western State, Westcliff University?
Western State, Westcliff University has the higher first-time bar passage, 63.64% against California Western's 62.91%.
Which has better job outcomes, California Western or Western State, Westcliff University?
Western State, Westcliff University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (91.4% vs 79%).
California Western vs Western State, Westcliff 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), Western State, Westcliff 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.