Fordham University vs. New York University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New York law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, New York University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 172 vs 168); New York University posts the higher first-time bar passage (96.72% vs 92.98%); Fordham University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($78,078 vs $83,952); New York University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (99.3% vs 91.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Fordham University | New York University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 168 | 172 | New York University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.79 | 3.92 | New York University |
| Acceptance rate | 16.2% | 13.4% | New York University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $78,078 | $83,952 | Fordham University |
| Non-resident tuition | $78,078 | $83,952 | Fordham University |
| Median grant | $35,000 | $20,000 | Fordham University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 92.98% | 96.72% | New York University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 96.39% | 98.71% | New York University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +7.2 pts | +11.7 pts | New York University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 91.2% | 99.3% | New York University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 50.5% | 65.2% | New York University |
| Federal clerkships | 3.1% | 5.5% | New York University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Fordham University full profile · New York University full profile · All New York law schools
FAQ
Is Fordham University or New York University harder to get into?
New York University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 172 against Fordham University's 168.
Which is cheaper, Fordham University or New York University?
Fordham University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $78,078 versus New York University's $83,952.
Which has better bar passage, Fordham University or New York University?
New York University has the higher first-time bar passage, 96.72% against Fordham University's 92.98%.
Which has better job outcomes, Fordham University or New York University?
New York University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (99.3% vs 91.2%).
Fordham University vs New York 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), New York 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.