Emory University vs. Georgia State University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Georgia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Emory University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 166 vs 160); Georgia State University posts the higher first-time bar passage (89.95% vs 88.36%); Georgia State University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($16,162 vs $69,510); Georgia State University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (92.8% vs 91.1%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Emory University | Georgia State University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 166 | 160 | Emory University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.82 | 3.64 | Emory University |
| Acceptance rate | 30.09% | 30.6% | Emory University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $69,510 | $16,162 | Georgia State University |
| Non-resident tuition | $69,510 | $37,886 | Georgia State University |
| Median grant | $36,000 | $7,776 | Emory University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 88.36% | 89.95% | Georgia State University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 95.4% | 94.71% | Emory University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +7.9 pts | +10.1 pts | Georgia State University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 91.1% | 92.8% | Georgia State University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 35.3% | 20% | Emory University |
| Federal clerkships | 3.6% | 0.5% | Emory University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Emory University full profile · Georgia State University full profile · All Georgia law schools
FAQ
Is Emory University or Georgia State University harder to get into?
Emory University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 166 against Georgia State University's 160.
Which is cheaper, Emory University or Georgia State University?
Georgia State University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $16,162 versus Emory University's $69,510.
Which has better bar passage, Emory University or Georgia State University?
Georgia State University has the higher first-time bar passage, 89.95% against Emory University's 88.36%.
Which has better job outcomes, Emory University or Georgia State University?
Georgia State University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (92.8% vs 91.1%).
Emory University vs Georgia State 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), Georgia State 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.