Faulkner University vs. Northern Illinois University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Faulkner University posts the higher first-time bar passage (71.43% vs 57.14%); Northern Illinois University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($23,667 vs $39,900); Faulkner University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (78.4% vs 77.6%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricFaulkner UniversityNorthern Illinois UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT150150Tie
Median undergraduate GPA3.333.41Northern Illinois University
Acceptance rate53.9%44.3%Northern Illinois University
Cost
Resident tuition$39,900$23,667Northern Illinois University
Non-resident tuition$39,900$23,667Northern Illinois University
Median grant$15,960$8,274Faulkner University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage71.43%57.14%Faulkner University
Two-year ultimate bar passage88.1%82.95%Faulkner University
Bar passage vs. state average-9.2 pts-21.5 ptsFaulkner University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment78.4%77.6%Faulkner University
Large-firm (250+) employment2.3%0.9%Faulkner University
Federal clerkships0%0%Tie

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 91.9% in 2011 to 71.43% in 202540%60%80%100%111315182022242571.43%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Faulkner University — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 82.22% in 2011 to 57.14% in 202550%60%70%80%90%111315182022242557.14%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Northern Illinois University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $32,187 in 2011 to $39,900 in 2025$30,000$32,500$35,000$37,500$40,000$42,5001113151719212325$39,900
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Faulkner University — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $18,688 in 2011 to $23,667 in 2025$18,000$20,000$22,000$24,000$26,0001113151719212325$23,667
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Northern Illinois University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

FAQ

Which is cheaper, Faulkner University or Northern Illinois University?

Northern Illinois University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $23,667 versus Faulkner University's $39,900.

Which has better bar passage, Faulkner University or Northern Illinois University?

Faulkner University has the higher first-time bar passage, 71.43% against Northern Illinois University's 57.14%.

Which has better job outcomes, Faulkner University or Northern Illinois University?

Faulkner University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (78.4% vs 77.6%).

Faulkner University vs Northern Illinois 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), Faulkner 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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