Cornell University vs. Fordham University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New York law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Cornell University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 173 vs 168); Cornell University posts the higher first-time bar passage (96.41% vs 92.98%); Fordham University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($78,078 vs $84,722); Cornell University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (99.5% vs 91.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Cornell University | Fordham University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 173 | 168 | Cornell University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.92 | 3.79 | Cornell University |
| Acceptance rate | 18.2% | 16.2% | Fordham University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $84,722 | $78,078 | Fordham University |
| Non-resident tuition | $84,722 | $78,078 | Fordham University |
| Median grant | $30,000 | $35,000 | Fordham University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 96.41% | 92.98% | Cornell University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 95.31% | 96.39% | Fordham University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +11.7 pts | +7.2 pts | Cornell University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 99.5% | 91.2% | Cornell University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 63% | 50.5% | Cornell University |
| Federal clerkships | 5.6% | 3.1% | Cornell University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Cornell University full profile · Fordham University full profile · All New York law schools
FAQ
Is Cornell University or Fordham University harder to get into?
Cornell University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 173 against Fordham University's 168.
Which is cheaper, Cornell University or Fordham University?
Fordham University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $78,078 versus Cornell University's $84,722.
Which has better bar passage, Cornell University or Fordham University?
Cornell University has the higher first-time bar passage, 96.41% against Fordham University's 92.98%.
Which has better job outcomes, Cornell University or Fordham University?
Cornell University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (99.5% vs 91.2%).
Cornell 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), Cornell 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.