University of Chicago vs. Washington University (St. Louis): Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Washington University (St. Louis) is the more selective admit (median LSAT 175 vs 174); University of Chicago posts the higher first-time bar passage (97.42% vs 93.57%); Washington University (St. Louis) is cheaper on sticker tuition ($72,792 vs $83,316); University of Chicago places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.1% vs 97.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | University of Chicago | Washington University (St. Louis) | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 174 | 175 | Washington University (St. Louis) |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.97 | 3.96 | University of Chicago |
| Acceptance rate | 9.7% | 19% | University of Chicago |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $83,316 | $72,792 | Washington University (St. Louis) |
| Non-resident tuition | $83,316 | $72,792 | Washington University (St. Louis) |
| Median grant | $15,000 | $48,000 | Washington University (St. Louis) |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 97.42% | 93.57% | University of Chicago |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 99.53% | 96.79% | University of Chicago |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +15.9 pts | +12.2 pts | University of Chicago |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 98.1% | 97.8% | University of Chicago |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 62% | 47.6% | University of Chicago |
| Federal clerkships | 22.7% | 11.7% | University of Chicago |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
University of Chicago full profile · Washington University (St. Louis) full profile
FAQ
Is University of Chicago or Washington University (St. Louis) harder to get into?
Washington University (St. Louis) is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 175 against University of Chicago's 174.
Which is cheaper, University of Chicago or Washington University (St. Louis)?
Washington University (St. Louis) is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $72,792 versus University of Chicago's $83,316.
Which has better bar passage, University of Chicago or Washington University (St. Louis)?
University of Chicago has the higher first-time bar passage, 97.42% against Washington University (St. Louis)'s 93.57%.
Which has better job outcomes, University of Chicago or Washington University (St. Louis)?
University of Chicago places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.1% vs 97.8%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.