University of Chicago vs. Yale University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, University of Chicago posts the higher first-time bar passage (97.4% vs 96.5%); Yale University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($76,636 vs $83,316); University of Chicago places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (98.1% vs 94.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | University of Chicago | Yale University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 174 | 174 | Tie |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.97 | 3.96 | University of Chicago |
| Acceptance rate | 9.7% | 4.1% | Yale University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $83,316 | $76,636 | Yale University |
| Non-resident tuition | $83,316 | $76,636 | Yale University |
| Median grant | $15,000 | $34,747 | Yale University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 97.4% | 96.5% | University of Chicago |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 99.5% | 99.0% | University of Chicago |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +15.9 pts | +12.9 pts | University of Chicago |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 98.1% | 94.8% | University of Chicago |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 62.0% | 35.6% | University of Chicago |
| Federal clerkships | 22.7% | 23.2% | Yale University |
trajectory since 2011
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FAQ
Which is cheaper, University of Chicago or Yale University?
Yale University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $76,636 versus University of Chicago's $83,316.
Which has better bar passage, University of Chicago or Yale University?
University of Chicago has the higher first-time bar passage, 97.4% against Yale University's 96.5%.
Which has better job outcomes, University of Chicago or Yale University?
University of Chicago places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (98.1% vs 94.8%).
University of Chicago vs Yale 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.