Duquesne 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, Duquesne University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 157 vs 150); Duquesne University posts the higher first-time bar passage (88.74% vs 54%); Widener University Commonwealth Law School is cheaper on sticker tuition ($54,375 vs $58,898); Duquesne University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (90.1% vs 84.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Duquesne University | Widener University Commonwealth Law School | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 157 | 150 | Duquesne University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.62 | 3.33 | Duquesne University |
| Acceptance rate | 43.2% | 60.4% | Duquesne University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $58,898 | $54,375 | Widener University Commonwealth Law School |
| Non-resident tuition | $58,898 | $54,375 | Widener University Commonwealth Law School |
| Median grant | $30,000 | $25,000 | Duquesne University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 88.74% | 54% | Duquesne University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 95.12% | 75.56% | Duquesne University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +8.6 pts | -26.1 pts | Duquesne University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 90.1% | 84.8% | Duquesne University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 9.9% | 1.9% | Duquesne University |
| Federal clerkships | 2% | 0% | Duquesne University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Duquesne University full profile · Widener University Commonwealth Law School full profile · All Pennsylvania law schools
FAQ
Is Duquesne University or Widener University Commonwealth Law School harder to get into?
Duquesne University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 157 against Widener University Commonwealth Law School's 150.
Which is cheaper, Duquesne University or Widener University Commonwealth Law School?
Widener University Commonwealth Law School is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $54,375 versus Duquesne University's $58,898.
Which has better bar passage, Duquesne University or Widener University Commonwealth Law School?
Duquesne University has the higher first-time bar passage, 88.74% against Widener University Commonwealth Law School's 54%.
Which has better job outcomes, Duquesne University or Widener University Commonwealth Law School?
Duquesne University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (90.1% vs 84.8%).
Duquesne 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), Duquesne 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.