District of Columbia vs. Howard University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are District of Columbia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Howard University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 156 vs 151); Howard University posts the higher first-time bar passage (76.77% vs 65.57%); District of Columbia is cheaper on sticker tuition ($12,438 vs $39,780); District of Columbia places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (71.2% vs 70.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | District of Columbia | Howard University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 151 | 156 | Howard University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.28 | 3.63 | Howard University |
| Acceptance rate | 37% | 24.1% | Howard University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $12,438 | $39,780 | District of Columbia |
| Non-resident tuition | $28,874 | $39,780 | District of Columbia |
| Median grant | $8,292 | $23,657 | Howard University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 65.57% | 76.77% | Howard University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 75% | 87.32% | Howard University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -15.1 pts | -5.5 pts | Howard University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 71.2% | 70.3% | District of Columbia |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 2.4% | 36.1% | Howard University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 1.9% | Howard University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
District of Columbia full profile · Howard University full profile · All District of Columbia law schools
FAQ
Is District of Columbia or Howard University harder to get into?
Howard University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 156 against District of Columbia's 151.
Which is cheaper, District of Columbia or Howard University?
District of Columbia is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $12,438 versus Howard University's $39,780.
Which has better bar passage, District of Columbia or Howard University?
Howard University has the higher first-time bar passage, 76.77% against District of Columbia's 65.57%.
Which has better job outcomes, District of Columbia or Howard University?
District of Columbia places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (71.2% vs 70.3%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.