DePaul University vs. Southern 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 149); DePaul University posts the higher first-time bar passage (76.02% vs 59.49%); Southern Illinois University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($15,863 vs $55,328); DePaul University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (88.4% vs 81.1%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | DePaul University | Southern Illinois University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 158 | 149 | DePaul University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.61 | 3.38 | DePaul University |
| Acceptance rate | 34.8% | 56.2% | DePaul University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $55,328 | $15,863 | Southern Illinois University |
| Non-resident tuition | $55,328 | $15,863 | Southern Illinois University |
| Median grant | $34,950 | $9,500 | DePaul University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 76.02% | 59.49% | DePaul University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 87.15% | 78.57% | DePaul University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -2.5 pts | -19.7 pts | DePaul University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 88.4% | 81.1% | DePaul University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 11% | 2.8% | DePaul University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 0% | Tie |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
DePaul University full profile · Southern Illinois University full profile · All Illinois law schools
FAQ
Is DePaul University or Southern Illinois University harder to get into?
DePaul University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 158 against Southern Illinois University's 149.
Which is cheaper, DePaul University or Southern Illinois University?
Southern Illinois University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $15,863 versus DePaul University's $55,328.
Which has better bar passage, DePaul University or Southern Illinois University?
DePaul University has the higher first-time bar passage, 76.02% against Southern Illinois University's 59.49%.
Which has better job outcomes, DePaul University or Southern Illinois University?
DePaul University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (88.4% vs 81.1%).
DePaul University vs Southern 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.