Detroit Mercy vs. Wayne State University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Michigan law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Wayne State University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 164 vs 156); Wayne State University posts the higher first-time bar passage (86.05% vs 70.83%); Wayne State University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($38,861 vs $48,480); Wayne State University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (96.8% vs 91.6%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Detroit Mercy | Wayne State University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 156 | 164 | Wayne State University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.52 | 3.89 | Wayne State University |
| Acceptance rate | 41.4% | 24.8% | Wayne State University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $48,480 | $38,861 | Wayne State University |
| Non-resident tuition | $48,480 | $42,632 | Wayne State University |
| Median grant | $18,636 | $34,636 | Wayne State University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 70.83% | 86.05% | Wayne State University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 77.88% | 90% | Wayne State University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -2.4 pts | +13.1 pts | Wayne State University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 91.6% | 96.8% | Wayne State University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 7.3% | 8.8% | Wayne State University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 0% | Tie |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Detroit Mercy full profile · Wayne State University full profile · All Michigan law schools
FAQ
Is Detroit Mercy or Wayne State University harder to get into?
Wayne State University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 164 against Detroit Mercy's 156.
Which is cheaper, Detroit Mercy or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $38,861 versus Detroit Mercy's $48,480.
Which has better bar passage, Detroit Mercy or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University has the higher first-time bar passage, 86.05% against Detroit Mercy's 70.83%.
Which has better job outcomes, Detroit Mercy or Wayne State University?
Wayne State University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (96.8% vs 91.6%).
Detroit Mercy vs Wayne State 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), Wayne State 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.