Case Western Reserve University vs. Cleveland State University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Ohio law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Case Western Reserve University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 162 vs 155); Case Western Reserve University posts the higher first-time bar passage (81.99% vs 75.45%); Cleveland State University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($29,766 vs $64,600); Case Western Reserve University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (81.7% vs 80.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland State University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 162 | 155 | Case Western Reserve University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.76 | 3.50 | Case Western Reserve University |
| Acceptance rate | 34.8% | 34.5% | Cleveland State University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $64,600 | $29,766 | Cleveland State University |
| Non-resident tuition | $64,600 | $29,866 | Cleveland State University |
| Median grant | $42,500 | $11,000 | Case Western Reserve University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 81.99% | 75.45% | Case Western Reserve University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 88.89% | 93.13% | Cleveland State University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +1 pts | -5.1 pts | Case Western Reserve University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 81.7% | 80.3% | Case Western Reserve University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 20.5% | 12.1% | Case Western Reserve University |
| Federal clerkships | 2.8% | 0% | Case Western Reserve University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Case Western Reserve University full profile · Cleveland State University full profile · All Ohio law schools
FAQ
Is Case Western Reserve University or Cleveland State University harder to get into?
Case Western Reserve University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 162 against Cleveland State University's 155.
Which is cheaper, Case Western Reserve University or Cleveland State University?
Cleveland State University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $29,766 versus Case Western Reserve University's $64,600.
Which has better bar passage, Case Western Reserve University or Cleveland State University?
Case Western Reserve University has the higher first-time bar passage, 81.99% against Cleveland State University's 75.45%.
Which has better job outcomes, Case Western Reserve University or Cleveland State University?
Case Western Reserve University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (81.7% vs 80.3%).
Case Western Reserve University vs Cleveland State 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), Case Western Reserve 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.