Harvard University vs. Yale University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Harvard University posts the higher first-time bar passage (97.86% vs 96.5%); Yale University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($76,636 vs $77,100); Harvard University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (97.2% vs 94.8%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Harvard University | Yale University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 174 | 174 | Tie |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.96 | 3.96 | Tie |
| Acceptance rate | 9.2% | 4.1% | Yale University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $77,100 | $76,636 | Yale University |
| Non-resident tuition | $77,100 | $76,636 | Yale University |
| Median grant | $27,510 | $34,747 | Yale University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 97.86% | 96.5% | Harvard University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 99.32% | 99.01% | Harvard University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +14.4 pts | +12.9 pts | Harvard University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 97.2% | 94.8% | Harvard University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 56.2% | 35.6% | Harvard University |
| Federal clerkships | 16.6% | 23.2% | Yale University |
15-year trajectory
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FAQ
Which is cheaper, Harvard University or Yale University?
Yale University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $76,636 versus Harvard University's $77,100.
Which has better bar passage, Harvard University or Yale University?
Harvard University has the higher first-time bar passage, 97.86% against Yale University's 96.5%.
Which has better job outcomes, Harvard University or Yale University?
Harvard University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (97.2% vs 94.8%).
Harvard University vs Yale 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.