Detroit Mercy vs. Samford University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Samford University posts the higher first-time bar passage (78.81% vs 70.83%); Samford University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($46,334 vs $48,480); Detroit Mercy places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (91.6% vs 87.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Detroit Mercy | Samford University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 156 | 156 | Tie |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.52 | 3.63 | Samford University |
| Acceptance rate | 41.4% | 49% | Detroit Mercy |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $48,480 | $46,334 | Samford University |
| Non-resident tuition | $48,480 | $46,334 | Samford University |
| Median grant | $18,636 | $20,000 | Samford University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 70.83% | 78.81% | Samford University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 77.88% | 94.52% | Samford University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -2.4 pts | -1.3 pts | Samford University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 91.6% | 87.8% | Detroit Mercy |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 7.3% | 11.6% | Samford University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 2.2% | Samford University |
15-year trajectory
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FAQ
Which is cheaper, Detroit Mercy or Samford University?
Samford University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $46,334 versus Detroit Mercy's $48,480.
Which has better bar passage, Detroit Mercy or Samford University?
Samford University has the higher first-time bar passage, 78.81% against Detroit Mercy's 70.83%.
Which has better job outcomes, Detroit Mercy or Samford University?
Detroit Mercy places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (91.6% vs 87.8%).
Detroit Mercy vs Samford 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), Samford 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.