George Mason University vs. Washington and Lee University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Virginia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, George Mason University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 169 vs 167); Washington and Lee University posts the higher first-time bar passage (89.36% vs 85.96%); George Mason University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($24,864 vs $57,450); George Mason University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (97.6% vs 92.7%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | George Mason University | Washington and Lee University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 169 | 167 | George Mason University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.93 | 3.75 | George Mason University |
| Acceptance rate | 15.9% | 22.7% | George Mason University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $24,864 | $57,450 | George Mason University |
| Non-resident tuition | $40,978 | $57,450 | George Mason University |
| Median grant | $21,000 | $33,500 | Washington and Lee University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 85.96% | 89.36% | Washington and Lee University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 93.92% | 95.76% | Washington and Lee University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +5.3 pts | +9.3 pts | Washington and Lee University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 97.6% | 92.7% | George Mason University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 13.8% | 35.4% | Washington and Lee University |
| Federal clerkships | 7.8% | 9.1% | Washington and Lee University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
George Mason University full profile · Washington and Lee University full profile · All Virginia law schools
FAQ
Is George Mason University or Washington and Lee University harder to get into?
George Mason University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 169 against Washington and Lee University's 167.
Which is cheaper, George Mason University or Washington and Lee University?
George Mason University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $24,864 versus Washington and Lee University's $57,450.
Which has better bar passage, George Mason University or Washington and Lee University?
Washington and Lee University has the higher first-time bar passage, 89.36% against George Mason University's 85.96%.
Which has better job outcomes, George Mason University or Washington and Lee University?
George Mason University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (97.6% vs 92.7%).
George Mason University vs Washington and Lee 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), George Mason 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.