Illinois-Chicago vs. Southern Illinois University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are Illinois law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Illinois-Chicago is the more selective admit (median LSAT 153 vs 149); Illinois-Chicago posts the higher first-time bar passage (60.14% vs 59.49%); Southern Illinois University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($15,863 vs $36,192); Southern Illinois University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (81.1% vs 80.3%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Illinois-Chicago | Southern Illinois University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 153 | 149 | Illinois-Chicago |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.40 | 3.38 | Illinois-Chicago |
| Acceptance rate | 52.6% | 56.2% | Illinois-Chicago |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $36,192 | $15,863 | Southern Illinois University |
| Non-resident tuition | $45,240 | $15,863 | Southern Illinois University |
| Median grant | $23,250 | $9,500 | Illinois-Chicago |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 60.14% | 59.49% | Illinois-Chicago |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 77.78% | 78.57% | Southern Illinois University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | -18.7 pts | -19.7 pts | Illinois-Chicago |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 80.3% | 81.1% | Southern Illinois University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 5.4% | 2.8% | Illinois-Chicago |
| Federal clerkships | 0.4% | 0% | Illinois-Chicago |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Illinois-Chicago full profile · Southern Illinois University full profile · All Illinois law schools
FAQ
Is Illinois-Chicago or Southern Illinois University harder to get into?
Illinois-Chicago is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 153 against Southern Illinois University's 149.
Which is cheaper, Illinois-Chicago or Southern Illinois University?
Southern Illinois University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $15,863 versus Illinois-Chicago's $36,192.
Which has better bar passage, Illinois-Chicago or Southern Illinois University?
Illinois-Chicago has the higher first-time bar passage, 60.14% against Southern Illinois University's 59.49%.
Which has better job outcomes, Illinois-Chicago or Southern Illinois University?
Southern Illinois University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (81.1% vs 80.3%).
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.