Georgia State University vs. Mercer University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Georgia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Georgia State University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 160 vs 157); Georgia State University posts the higher first-time bar passage (89.95% vs 84%); Georgia State University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($16,162 vs $44,782); Mercer University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (93% vs 92.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Georgia State University | Mercer University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 160 | 157 | Georgia State University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.64 | 3.62 | Georgia State University |
| Acceptance rate | 30.6% | 37.8% | Georgia State University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $16,162 | $44,782 | Georgia State University |
| Non-resident tuition | $37,886 | $44,782 | Georgia State University |
| Median grant | $7,776 | $20,000 | Mercer University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 89.95% | 84% | Georgia State University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 94.71% | 93.91% | Georgia State University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +10.1 pts | +4.7 pts | Georgia State University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 92.8% | 93% | Mercer University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 20% | 9.8% | Georgia State University |
| Federal clerkships | 0.5% | 1.4% | Mercer University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Georgia State University full profile · Mercer University full profile · All Georgia law schools
FAQ
Is Georgia State University or Mercer University harder to get into?
Georgia State University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 160 against Mercer University's 157.
Which is cheaper, Georgia State University or Mercer University?
Georgia State University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $16,162 versus Mercer University's $44,782.
Which has better bar passage, Georgia State University or Mercer University?
Georgia State University has the higher first-time bar passage, 89.95% against Mercer University's 84%.
Which has better job outcomes, Georgia State University or Mercer University?
Mercer University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (93% vs 92.8%).
Georgia State University vs Mercer 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), Georgia State 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.