Catholic University of America vs. Howard University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are District of Columbia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Catholic University of America is the more selective admit (median LSAT 161 vs 156); Catholic University of America posts the higher first-time bar passage (83.08% vs 76.77%); Howard University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($39,780 vs $61,580); Catholic University of America places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (92.9% vs 70.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Catholic University of America | Howard University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 161 | 156 | Catholic University of America |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.68 | 3.63 | Catholic University of America |
| Acceptance rate | 32.4% | 24.1% | Howard University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $61,580 | $39,780 | Howard University |
| Non-resident tuition | $61,580 | $39,780 | Howard University |
| Median grant | $26,000 | $23,657 | Catholic University of America |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 83.08% | 76.77% | Catholic University of America |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 89.91% | 87.32% | Catholic University of America |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +2 pts | -5.5 pts | Catholic University of America |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 92.9% | 70.3% | Catholic University of America |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 14.1% | 36.1% | Howard University |
| Federal clerkships | 1.8% | 1.9% | Howard University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Catholic University of America full profile · Howard University full profile · All District of Columbia law schools
FAQ
Is Catholic University of America or Howard University harder to get into?
Catholic University of America is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 161 against Howard University's 156.
Which is cheaper, Catholic University of America or Howard University?
Howard University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $39,780 versus Catholic University of America's $61,580.
Which has better bar passage, Catholic University of America or Howard University?
Catholic University of America has the higher first-time bar passage, 83.08% against Howard University's 76.77%.
Which has better job outcomes, Catholic University of America or Howard University?
Catholic University of America places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (92.9% vs 70.3%).
Catholic University of America vs Howard 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), Catholic University of America 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.