Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology vs. University of Chicago: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Illinois law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, University of Chicago is the more selective admit (median LSAT 174 vs 161); University of Chicago posts the higher first-time bar passage (97.42% vs 79.02%); Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology is cheaper on sticker tuition ($53,070 vs $83,316); University of Chicago places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.1% vs 84.5%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology | University of Chicago | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 161 | 174 | University of Chicago |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.72 | 3.97 | University of Chicago |
| Acceptance rate | 38.6% | 9.7% | University of Chicago |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $53,070 | $83,316 | Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology |
| Non-resident tuition | $53,070 | $83,316 | Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology |
| Median grant | $35,000 | $15,000 | Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 79.02% | 97.42% | University of Chicago |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 92.57% | 99.53% | University of Chicago |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +0.3 pts | +15.9 pts | University of Chicago |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 84.5% | 98.1% | University of Chicago |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 14.2% | 62% | University of Chicago |
| Federal clerkships | 0.4% | 22.7% | University of Chicago |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology full profile · University of Chicago full profile · All Illinois law schools
FAQ
Is Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology or University of Chicago harder to get into?
University of Chicago is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 174 against Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology's 161.
Which is cheaper, Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology or University of Chicago?
Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $53,070 versus University of Chicago's $83,316.
Which has better bar passage, Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology or University of Chicago?
University of Chicago has the higher first-time bar passage, 97.42% against Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology's 79.02%.
Which has better job outcomes, Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology or University of Chicago?
University of Chicago places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.1% vs 84.5%).
Chicago-Kent, Illinois Institute of Technology vs University of Chicago: 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), University of Chicago 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.