Georgetown University vs. Howard University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are District of Columbia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Georgetown University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 171 vs 156); Georgetown University posts the higher first-time bar passage (93.05% vs 76.77%); Howard University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($39,780 vs $83,576); Georgetown University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (95.9% vs 70.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Georgetown University | Howard University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 171 | 156 | Georgetown University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.93 | 3.63 | Georgetown University |
| Acceptance rate | 15.8% | 24.1% | Georgetown University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $83,576 | $39,780 | Howard University |
| Non-resident tuition | $83,576 | $39,780 | Howard University |
| Median grant | $35,000 | $23,657 | Georgetown University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 93.05% | 76.77% | Georgetown University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 94.15% | 87.32% | Georgetown University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +9.8 pts | -5.5 pts | Georgetown University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 95.9% | 70.3% | Georgetown University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 59% | 36.1% | Georgetown University |
| Federal clerkships | 5% | 1.9% | Georgetown University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Georgetown University full profile · Howard University full profile · All District of Columbia law schools
FAQ
Is Georgetown University or Howard University harder to get into?
Georgetown University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 171 against Howard University's 156.
Which is cheaper, Georgetown University or Howard University?
Howard University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $39,780 versus Georgetown University's $83,576.
Which has better bar passage, Georgetown University or Howard University?
Georgetown University has the higher first-time bar passage, 93.05% against Howard University's 76.77%.
Which has better job outcomes, Georgetown University or Howard University?
Georgetown University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (95.9% vs 70.3%).
Georgetown University vs Howard 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), Georgetown 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.