DePaul University vs. Northern Illinois University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Illinois law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, DePaul University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 158 vs 150); DePaul University posts the higher first-time bar passage (76.02% vs 57.14%); Northern Illinois University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($23,667 vs $55,328); DePaul University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (88.4% vs 77.6%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | DePaul University | Northern Illinois University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 158 | 150 | DePaul University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.61 | 3.41 | DePaul University |
| Acceptance rate | 34.8% | 44.3% | DePaul University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $55,328 | $23,667 | Northern Illinois University |
| Non-resident tuition | $55,328 | $23,667 | Northern Illinois University |
| Median grant | $34,950 | $8,274 | DePaul University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 76.02% | 57.14% | DePaul University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 87.15% | 82.95% | DePaul University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -2.5 pts | -21.5 pts | DePaul University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 88.4% | 77.6% | DePaul University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 11% | 0.9% | DePaul University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 0% | Tie |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
DePaul University full profile · Northern Illinois University full profile · All Illinois law schools
FAQ
Is DePaul University or Northern Illinois University harder to get into?
DePaul University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 158 against Northern Illinois University's 150.
Which is cheaper, DePaul University or Northern Illinois University?
Northern Illinois University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $23,667 versus DePaul University's $55,328.
Which has better bar passage, DePaul University or Northern Illinois University?
DePaul University has the higher first-time bar passage, 76.02% against Northern Illinois University's 57.14%.
Which has better job outcomes, DePaul University or Northern Illinois University?
DePaul University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (88.4% vs 77.6%).
DePaul University vs Northern Illinois 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), DePaul 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.