City University of New York vs. Hofstra University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New York law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Hofstra University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 157 vs 155); Hofstra University posts the higher first-time bar passage (78.91% vs 65.67%); City University of New York is cheaper on sticker tuition ($15,450 vs $73,344); Hofstra University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (90.1% vs 80.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | City University of New York | Hofstra University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 155 | 157 | Hofstra University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.54 | 3.65 | Hofstra University |
| Acceptance rate | 28.6% | 40.6% | City University of New York |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $15,450 | $73,344 | City University of New York |
| Non-resident tuition | $25,640 | $73,344 | City University of New York |
| Median grant | $8,000 | $35,793 | Hofstra University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 65.67% | 78.91% | Hofstra University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 89.01% | 89.33% | Hofstra University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -20.3 pts | -6.8 pts | Hofstra University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 80.7% | 90.1% | Hofstra University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 2% | 13.3% | Hofstra University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 0.8% | Hofstra University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
City University of New York full profile · Hofstra University full profile · All New York law schools
FAQ
Is City University of New York or Hofstra University harder to get into?
Hofstra University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 157 against City University of New York's 155.
Which is cheaper, City University of New York or Hofstra University?
City University of New York is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $15,450 versus Hofstra University's $73,344.
Which has better bar passage, City University of New York or Hofstra University?
Hofstra University has the higher first-time bar passage, 78.91% against City University of New York's 65.67%.
Which has better job outcomes, City University of New York or Hofstra University?
Hofstra University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (90.1% vs 80.7%).
City University of New York vs Hofstra 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), Hofstra University 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.