DePaul University vs. Loyola University-Chicago: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

Both are Illinois law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Loyola University-Chicago is the more selective admit (median LSAT 161 vs 158); Loyola University-Chicago posts the higher first-time bar passage (80% vs 76.02%); DePaul University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($55,328 vs $58,670); Loyola University-Chicago places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (92% vs 88.4%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricDePaul UniversityLoyola University-ChicagoBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT158161Loyola University-Chicago
Median undergraduate GPA3.613.70Loyola University-Chicago
Acceptance rate34.8%28.2%Loyola University-Chicago
Cost
Resident tuition$55,328$58,670DePaul University
Non-resident tuition$55,328$58,670DePaul University
Median grant$34,950$30,000DePaul University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage76.02%80%Loyola University-Chicago
Two-year ultimate bar passage87.15%91.57%Loyola University-Chicago
Bar passage vs. state average-2.5 pts+1.2 ptsLoyola University-Chicago
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment88.4%92%Loyola University-Chicago
Large-firm (250+) employment11%22.6%Loyola University-Chicago
Federal clerkships0%0.8%Loyola University-Chicago

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 89.81% in 2011 to 76.02% in 202550%60%70%80%90%100%111315182022242576.02%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
DePaul University — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 88.66% in 2011 to 80% in 202575%80%85%90%95%111315182022242580%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Loyola University-Chicago — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $41,690 in 2011 to $55,328 in 2025$40,000$45,000$50,000$55,000$60,0001113151719212325$55,328
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
DePaul University — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $39,496 in 2011 to $58,670 in 2025$30,000$40,000$50,000$60,000$70,0001113151719212325$58,670
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Loyola University-Chicago — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

DePaul University full profile · Loyola University-Chicago full profile · All Illinois law schools

FAQ

Is DePaul University or Loyola University-Chicago harder to get into?

Loyola University-Chicago is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 161 against DePaul University's 158.

Which is cheaper, DePaul University or Loyola University-Chicago?

DePaul University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $55,328 versus Loyola University-Chicago's $58,670.

Which has better bar passage, DePaul University or Loyola University-Chicago?

Loyola University-Chicago has the higher first-time bar passage, 80% against DePaul University's 76.02%.

Which has better job outcomes, DePaul University or Loyola University-Chicago?

Loyola University-Chicago places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (92% vs 88.4%).

DePaul University vs Loyola University-Chicago: 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), Loyola University-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.

Exhibit 509 by 509αNewsletterTermsPrivacyAccessibilitySitemap● Sourced from ABA Standard 509 · Last synced June 26, 2026