Fordham University vs. St. John's University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New York law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Fordham University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 168 vs 164); Fordham University posts the higher first-time bar passage (92.98% vs 87.74%); St. John's University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($75,170 vs $78,078); St. John's University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (92.8% vs 91.2%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Fordham University | St. John's University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 168 | 164 | Fordham University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.79 | 3.81 | St. John's University |
| Acceptance rate | 16.2% | 23.1% | Fordham University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $78,078 | $75,170 | St. John's University |
| Non-resident tuition | $78,078 | $75,170 | St. John's University |
| Median grant | $35,000 | $60,000 | St. John's University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 92.98% | 87.74% | Fordham University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 96.39% | 94.81% | Fordham University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +7.2 pts | +1.6 pts | Fordham University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 91.2% | 92.8% | St. John's University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 50.5% | 25.3% | Fordham University |
| Federal clerkships | 3.1% | 3.2% | St. John's University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Fordham University full profile · St. John's University full profile · All New York law schools
FAQ
Is Fordham University or St. John's University harder to get into?
Fordham University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 168 against St. John's University's 164.
Which is cheaper, Fordham University or St. John's University?
St. John's University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $75,170 versus Fordham University's $78,078.
Which has better bar passage, Fordham University or St. John's University?
Fordham University has the higher first-time bar passage, 92.98% against St. John's University's 87.74%.
Which has better job outcomes, Fordham University or St. John's University?
St. John's University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (92.8% vs 91.2%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.