Harvard University vs. Suffolk University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Massachusetts law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Harvard University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 174 vs 155); Harvard University posts the higher first-time bar passage (97.86% vs 79.37%); Suffolk University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($62,610 vs $77,100); Harvard University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (97.2% vs 89.4%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Harvard University | Suffolk University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 174 | 155 | Harvard University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.96 | 3.58 | Harvard University |
| Acceptance rate | 9.2% | 61.9% | Harvard University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $77,100 | $62,610 | Suffolk University |
| Non-resident tuition | $77,100 | $62,610 | Suffolk University |
| Median grant | $27,510 | $22,445 | Harvard University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 97.86% | 79.37% | Harvard University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 99.32% | 87.75% | Harvard University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +14.4 pts | -4.1 pts | Harvard University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 97.2% | 89.4% | Harvard University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 56.2% | 11.2% | Harvard University |
| Federal clerkships | 16.6% | 1.1% | Harvard University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Harvard University full profile · Suffolk University full profile · All Massachusetts law schools
FAQ
Is Harvard University or Suffolk University harder to get into?
Harvard University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 174 against Suffolk University's 155.
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Suffolk University?
Suffolk University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $62,610 versus Harvard University's $77,100.
Which has better bar passage, Harvard University or Suffolk University?
Harvard University has the higher first-time bar passage, 97.86% against Suffolk University's 79.37%.
Which has better job outcomes, Harvard University or Suffolk University?
Harvard University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (97.2% vs 89.4%).
Harvard University vs Suffolk 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), Harvard 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.