City University of New York vs. Pace University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New York law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, City University of New York is the more selective admit (median LSAT 155 vs 154); Pace University posts the higher first-time bar passage (68.55% vs 65.67%); City University of New York is cheaper on sticker tuition ($15,450 vs $56,648); Pace University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (88.9% vs 80.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | City University of New York | Pace University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 155 | 154 | City University of New York |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.54 | 3.54 | Tie |
| Acceptance rate | 28.6% | 44.1% | City University of New York |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $15,450 | $56,648 | City University of New York |
| Non-resident tuition | $25,640 | $56,648 | City University of New York |
| Median grant | $8,000 | $29,000 | Pace University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 65.67% | 68.55% | Pace University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 89.01% | 78.22% | City University of New York |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -20.3 pts | -15.8 pts | Pace University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 80.7% | 88.9% | Pace University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 2% | 6.9% | Pace University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 0.4% | Pace University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
City University of New York full profile · Pace University full profile · All New York law schools
FAQ
Is City University of New York or Pace University harder to get into?
City University of New York is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 155 against Pace University's 154.
Which is cheaper, City University of New York or Pace University?
City University of New York is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $15,450 versus Pace University's $56,648.
Which has better bar passage, City University of New York or Pace University?
Pace University has the higher first-time bar passage, 68.55% against City University of New York's 65.67%.
Which has better job outcomes, City University of New York or Pace University?
Pace University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (88.9% vs 80.7%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.