University of Chicago vs. Loyola University-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 80%); Loyola University-Chicago is cheaper on sticker tuition ($58,670 vs $83,316); University of Chicago places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.1% vs 92%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | University of Chicago | Loyola University-Chicago | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 174 | 161 | University of Chicago |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.97 | 3.70 | University of Chicago |
| Acceptance rate | 9.7% | 28.2% | University of Chicago |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $83,316 | $58,670 | Loyola University-Chicago |
| Non-resident tuition | $83,316 | $58,670 | Loyola University-Chicago |
| Median grant | $15,000 | $30,000 | Loyola University-Chicago |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 97.42% | 80% | University of Chicago |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 99.53% | 91.57% | University of Chicago |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +15.9 pts | +1.2 pts | University of Chicago |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 98.1% | 92% | University of Chicago |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 62% | 22.6% | University of Chicago |
| Federal clerkships | 22.7% | 0.8% | University of Chicago |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
University of Chicago full profile · Loyola University-Chicago full profile · All Illinois law schools
FAQ
Is University of Chicago or Loyola University-Chicago harder to get into?
University of Chicago is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 174 against Loyola University-Chicago's 161.
Which is cheaper, University of Chicago or Loyola University-Chicago?
Loyola University-Chicago is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $58,670 versus University of Chicago's $83,316.
Which has better bar passage, University of Chicago or Loyola University-Chicago?
University of Chicago has the higher first-time bar passage, 97.42% against Loyola University-Chicago's 80%.
Which has better job outcomes, University of Chicago or Loyola University-Chicago?
University of Chicago places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.1% vs 92%).
University of Chicago vs Loyola University-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.