Drexel University vs. Widener University Commonwealth Law School: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Pennsylvania law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Drexel University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 160 vs 150); Drexel University posts the higher first-time bar passage (85% vs 54%); Widener University Commonwealth Law School is cheaper on sticker tuition ($54,375 vs $57,000); Drexel University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (89.5% vs 84.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Drexel University | Widener University Commonwealth Law School | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 160 | 150 | Drexel University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.76 | 3.33 | Drexel University |
| Acceptance rate | 29.6% | 60.4% | Drexel University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $57,000 | $54,375 | Widener University Commonwealth Law School |
| Non-resident tuition | $57,000 | $54,375 | Widener University Commonwealth Law School |
| Median grant | $28,667 | $25,000 | Drexel University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 85% | 54% | Drexel University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 91.5% | 75.56% | Drexel University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +5.5 pts | -26.1 pts | Drexel University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 89.5% | 84.8% | Drexel University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 15.8% | 1.9% | Drexel University |
| Federal clerkships | 0% | 0% | Tie |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Drexel University full profile · Widener University Commonwealth Law School full profile · All Pennsylvania law schools
FAQ
Is Drexel University or Widener University Commonwealth Law School harder to get into?
Drexel University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 160 against Widener University Commonwealth Law School's 150.
Which is cheaper, Drexel University or Widener University Commonwealth Law School?
Widener University Commonwealth Law School is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $54,375 versus Drexel University's $57,000.
Which has better bar passage, Drexel University or Widener University Commonwealth Law School?
Drexel University has the higher first-time bar passage, 85% against Widener University Commonwealth Law School's 54%.
Which has better job outcomes, Drexel University or Widener University Commonwealth Law School?
Drexel University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (89.5% vs 84.8%).
Drexel University vs Widener University Commonwealth Law School: 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), Drexel 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.