Drexel University vs. Villanova University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Pennsylvania law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Villanova University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 164 vs 160); Villanova University posts the higher first-time bar passage (91.26% vs 85%); Drexel University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($57,000 vs $59,800); Villanova University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (96.2% vs 89.5%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Drexel University | Villanova University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 160 | 164 | Villanova University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.76 | 3.80 | Villanova University |
| Acceptance rate | 29.6% | 25.9% | Villanova University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $57,000 | $59,800 | Drexel University |
| Non-resident tuition | $57,000 | $59,800 | Drexel University |
| Median grant | $28,667 | $40,000 | Villanova University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 85% | 91.26% | Villanova University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 91.5% | 91.26% | Drexel University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +5.5 pts | +11.1 pts | Villanova University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 89.5% | 96.2% | Villanova University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 15.8% | 23.4% | Villanova University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 1.6% | Villanova University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Drexel University full profile · Villanova University full profile · All Pennsylvania law schools
FAQ
Is Drexel University or Villanova University harder to get into?
Villanova University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 164 against Drexel University's 160.
Which is cheaper, Drexel University or Villanova University?
Drexel University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $57,000 versus Villanova University's $59,800.
Which has better bar passage, Drexel University or Villanova University?
Villanova University has the higher first-time bar passage, 91.26% against Drexel University's 85%.
Which has better job outcomes, Drexel University or Villanova University?
Villanova University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (96.2% vs 89.5%).
Drexel University vs Villanova 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), Villanova 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.