Columbia University vs. Fordham University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New York law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Columbia University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 173 vs 168); Columbia University posts the higher first-time bar passage (95.85% vs 92.98%); Fordham University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($78,078 vs $85,368); Columbia University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (97.4% vs 91.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Columbia University | Fordham University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 173 | 168 | Columbia University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.92 | 3.79 | Columbia University |
| Acceptance rate | 11.8% | 16.2% | Columbia University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $85,368 | $78,078 | Fordham University |
| Non-resident tuition | $85,368 | $78,078 | Fordham University |
| Median grant | $32,000 | $35,000 | Fordham University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 95.85% | 92.98% | Columbia University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 99.01% | 96.39% | Columbia University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +10.9 pts | +7.2 pts | Columbia University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 97.4% | 91.2% | Columbia University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 77.5% | 50.5% | Columbia University |
| Federal clerkships | 4.1% | 3.1% | Columbia University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Columbia University full profile · Fordham University full profile · All New York law schools
FAQ
Is Columbia University or Fordham University harder to get into?
Columbia University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 173 against Fordham University's 168.
Which is cheaper, Columbia University or Fordham University?
Fordham University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $78,078 versus Columbia University's $85,368.
Which has better bar passage, Columbia University or Fordham University?
Columbia University has the higher first-time bar passage, 95.85% against Fordham University's 92.98%.
Which has better job outcomes, Columbia University or Fordham University?
Columbia University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (97.4% vs 91.2%).
Columbia University vs Fordham 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), Columbia 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.