Hofstra University vs. Syracuse University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New York law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Syracuse University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 158 vs 157); Syracuse University posts the higher first-time bar passage (82.9% vs 78.91%); Syracuse University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($64,650 vs $73,344); Syracuse University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (90.9% vs 90.1%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Hofstra University | Syracuse University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 157 | 158 | Syracuse University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.65 | 3.60 | Hofstra University |
| Acceptance rate | 40.6% | 34.6% | Syracuse University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $73,344 | $64,650 | Syracuse University |
| Non-resident tuition | $73,344 | $64,650 | Syracuse University |
| Median grant | $35,793 | $24,351 | Hofstra University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 78.91% | 82.9% | Syracuse University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 89.33% | 82.45% | Hofstra University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -6.8 pts | +0.3 pts | Syracuse University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 90.1% | 90.9% | Syracuse University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 13.3% | 10.1% | Hofstra University |
| Federal clerkships | 0.8% | 1.4% | Syracuse University |
15-year trajectory
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FAQ
Is Hofstra University or Syracuse University harder to get into?
Syracuse University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 158 against Hofstra University's 157.
Which is cheaper, Hofstra University or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $64,650 versus Hofstra University's $73,344.
Which has better bar passage, Hofstra University or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University has the higher first-time bar passage, 82.9% against Hofstra University's 78.91%.
Which has better job outcomes, Hofstra University or Syracuse University?
Syracuse University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (90.9% vs 90.1%).
Hofstra University vs Syracuse 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), Syracuse 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.