University of Chicago vs. Northwestern University: 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 173); University of Chicago posts the higher first-time bar passage (97.42% vs 91.8%); Northwestern University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($79,772 vs $83,316); University of Chicago places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.1% vs 97.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | University of Chicago | Northwestern University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 174 | 173 | University of Chicago |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.97 | 3.96 | University of Chicago |
| Acceptance rate | 9.7% | 12.3% | University of Chicago |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $83,316 | $79,772 | Northwestern University |
| Non-resident tuition | $83,316 | $79,772 | Northwestern University |
| Median grant | $15,000 | $40,000 | Northwestern University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 97.42% | 91.8% | University of Chicago |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 99.53% | 98.45% | University of Chicago |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +15.9 pts | +10.8 pts | University of Chicago |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 98.1% | 97.3% | University of Chicago |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 62% | 69.7% | Northwestern University |
| Federal clerkships | 22.7% | 5.7% | University of Chicago |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
University of Chicago full profile · Northwestern University full profile · All Illinois law schools
FAQ
Is University of Chicago or Northwestern University harder to get into?
University of Chicago is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 174 against Northwestern University's 173.
Which is cheaper, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?
Northwestern University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $79,772 versus University of Chicago's $83,316.
Which has better bar passage, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?
University of Chicago has the higher first-time bar passage, 97.42% against Northwestern University's 91.8%.
Which has better job outcomes, University of Chicago or Northwestern University?
University of Chicago places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.1% vs 97.3%).
University of Chicago vs Northwestern 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), 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.