Drake University vs. Howard University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Drake University posts the higher first-time bar passage (85.71% vs 76.77%); Howard University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($39,780 vs $50,920); Drake University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (89.5% vs 70.3%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricDrake UniversityHoward UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT156156Tie
Median undergraduate GPA3.673.63Drake University
Acceptance rate54.8%24.1%Howard University
Cost
Resident tuition$50,920$39,780Howard University
Non-resident tuition$50,920$39,780Howard University
Median grant$31,000$23,657Drake University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage85.71%76.77%Drake University
Two-year ultimate bar passage93.55%87.32%Drake University
Bar passage vs. state average+2 pts-5.5 ptsDrake University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment89.5%70.3%Drake University
Large-firm (250+) employment0%36.1%Howard University
Federal clerkships0.9%1.9%Howard University

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 91.17% in 2011 to 85.71% in 202575%80%85%90%95%100%111315182022242585.71%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Drake University — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 68.54% in 2011 to 76.77% in 202540%50%60%70%80%111315182022242576.77%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Howard University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $34,006 in 2011 to $50,920 in 2025$30,000$35,000$40,000$45,000$50,000$55,0001113151719212325$50,920
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Drake University — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $29,131 in 2011 to $39,780 in 2025$25,000$30,000$35,000$40,000$45,0001113151719212325$39,780
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Howard University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

FAQ

Which is cheaper, Drake University or Howard University?

Howard University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $39,780 versus Drake University's $50,920.

Which has better bar passage, Drake University or Howard University?

Drake University has the higher first-time bar passage, 85.71% against Howard University's 76.77%.

Which has better job outcomes, Drake University or Howard University?

Drake University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (89.5% vs 70.3%).

Drake University vs Howard 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), Drake 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.

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