Chapman University vs. Santa Clara University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are California law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Chapman University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 163 vs 159); Santa Clara University posts the higher first-time bar passage (74.77% vs 74.13%); Chapman University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($63,126 vs $65,540); Chapman University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (85.4% vs 79.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Chapman University | Santa Clara University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 163 | 159 | Chapman University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.70 | 3.50 | Chapman University |
| Acceptance rate | 20.5% | 52.6% | Chapman University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $63,126 | $65,540 | Chapman University |
| Non-resident tuition | $63,126 | $65,540 | Chapman University |
| Median grant | $59,500 | $40,000 | Chapman University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 74.13% | 74.77% | Santa Clara University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 95.3% | 83.1% | Chapman University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -3.5 pts | -3.2 pts | Santa Clara University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 85.4% | 79.8% | Chapman University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 12.3% | 19.2% | Santa Clara University |
| Federal clerkships | 3.8% | 0.5% | Chapman University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Chapman University full profile · Santa Clara University full profile · All California law schools
FAQ
Is Chapman University or Santa Clara University harder to get into?
Chapman University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 163 against Santa Clara University's 159.
Which is cheaper, Chapman University or Santa Clara University?
Chapman University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $63,126 versus Santa Clara University's $65,540.
Which has better bar passage, Chapman University or Santa Clara University?
Santa Clara University has the higher first-time bar passage, 74.77% against Chapman University's 74.13%.
Which has better job outcomes, Chapman University or Santa Clara University?
Chapman University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (85.4% vs 79.8%).
Chapman University vs Santa Clara 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), Chapman 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.